Sinner downs ailing Draper to reach U.S. Open final

Italian top seed Jannik Sinner defeats ailing Briton Jack Draper to reach U.S. Open final, overcoming muggy conditions.

Italian top seed Jannik Sinner took down ailing Briton Jack Draper 7-5 7-6(3) 6-2 to reach the U.S. Open final on Friday (September 6, 2024), overcoming muggy conditions at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Sinner appeared to have suffered a wrist injury when he fell over in the second set but rallied to reach his second major final after winning the Australian Open earlier this year.

Little went right for Draper, who vomited three times in the second set as he struggled with the heat and humidity that also left his shirt soaked in sweat.

Ten double faults also failed to help the 22-year-old's bid to reach a Grand Slam final for the first time.

"It was a very physical match as we saw. I just tried to stay there mentally," said Sinner, who has survived the intense pressure of being the overwhelming favourite to win his first U.S. Open title following the early exits of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner will play the winner of an all-American semi-final between Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe on Sunday (September 8, 2024).

Sinner and Draper traded early breaks in the first set but the momentum swung in the Italian's direction when the Briton dropped serve in the 11th game with a double fault.