Jannik Sinner wins even when he doesn’t play his best tennis

Jannik Sinner became the first Italian player in history to reach at least the semifinals in all Grand Slam tournaments. The world No. 1 defeated Daniel Medvedev in the quarter finals of the US Open 2024with which he took revenge for the disappointment he suffered at Wimbledon against the Russian top player.

Although he did not show his best tennis, the young Italian made the difference in decisive moments and proved to be too solid on the hard court. The 23-year-old from San Candido is the main contender for victory in New York, especially after beating the champion of the 2021 edition.

The 2024 Australian Open champion will almost certainly end the season at the top of the ATP rankings, a result that would be truly deserved given the consistency shown in recent months. Jannik will face Jack Draper a cunning opponent on this surface in the semi-final so far in the tournament not lost a single set-up.

Sinner knows he has a great chance of winning the second Major of his young career, as he would also be a favourite in a potential final against Frances Tiafoe or Taylor FritzThe Italian star player will have to be able to handle pressure and nerves very well, as he has shown several times over the past year.

The Italian ace is very solid

Sinner probably won the most difficult match of the tournament and showed a mental strength that was extraordinary for a player of his age.

It was the most anticipated quarterfinal at the US Open. Not a match like any other. Jannik Sinner won the 13th chapter of his rivalry with Daniil Medvedev, with a score of 6-2 1-6 6-1 6-4. The Italian ace reached the semifinals at the US Open for the first time, a goal that no one had achieved in the Open era in Italy. The Italian ace is in fact the first tennis player to reach at least one semifinal in all 4 Grands Grands, first Wimbledon, then the Australian Open, a few months ago Roland Garros and finally New York.

Impressive figures that, if necessary, once again confirm his strength, his ability to adapt to any surface, but above all the mentality of the greatest. The world number one is currently the fourth tennis player to have reached this milestone. Together with him, of course, the two legends Novak Djokovic And Rafael Nadalwho won 24 and 22 Grand Slam titles respectively, and Marin Cilicchampion at Flushing Meadows in 2014.

Interviewed by former tennis player Brad GilbertSinner analysed the match as follows: “It was a very tough match, it was a physical challenge, as we expected. We expected a match like this“I am very pleased, the atmosphere was great and I thank the public for their support,” he said gratefully.

Gilbert points out that there were a lot of net descents, especially in the third set, which was very important: “We prepared to play an aggressive game – he analyzed the world number 1 – with my team we always work to improve this aspect and try to take more time from the opponent. I was happy today with this aspect of the performance of my game. We’ll see you in a few days and I can’t wait to play the semi-final,” he concluded.

Draper is the next opponent

Jannik will have to be very careful with Draper, who is playing the best tennis of his career on these courts. The British ace said he was ready to take on the world No. 1: “We’ve been in touch since I went on tour a few years ago. Jannik is a good friend, someone I consider close. We write in good times and bad. When you’re young, this is a really tough sport. You’re always on the go, you’re up against a sport that’s physically and emotionally brutal, and it can be tough if you don’t have a lot of friends. It’s great to have the support of someone who’s been through this. I have enormous respect for himIt was great to play with him in doubles in Canada: I had never won a doubles match on the circuit, so playing with the world number one was great, I learned a lot. I’m sure we’ll stay in touch for a long time.”

Draper, who has never been this deep in a Slam, will try to get as much energy back as possible. The media naturally asked about the bandage on his right leg during the second set: “I heard something about the set pointI was a bit worried at that point, but I still managed to play two full sets.”