It was only fitting that Jack Draper’s extraordinary run at the US Open was halted by the world number one, Jannik Sinner.
Draper captured the hearts of fans with his inspired tennis throughout the fortnight but eventually came unstuck by the physicality required to go toe-for-toe with the best player in the world.
After Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic suffered early exits, Sinner emerged as the clear favorite to clinch the US Open title.
The world number one had his work cut out in the semi-final, however, as Draper was yet to drop a set. Things seemed tighter than the Italian would have hoped for during the opening two sets, but Sinner eventually pulled clear to prevail 7-5, 7-6(3), 6-2.
Jannik Sinner has high praise for Jack Draper
Jack Draper‘s run to the US Open semi-finals does nothing but offer promise as to what we can expect in future years.
The 22-year-old admitted that he was a late bloomer, but he is now starting to reap the rewards of a relentless commitment to his craft.
Following their highly-anticipated clash, Jannik Sinner was asked whether the Brit has the minerals to win grand slam titles in the not-so-distant future.
“Yeah,” Sinner responded. “His ball striking and choosing the right shots in the right time. You know, there are some feelings you have with certain players, and he is one of them, I feel like.
“Everyone has his own time and way and path, but I’m quite sure, because I know that he’s potentially winning some big titles in the future because he’s a tough player to play against, he has a great attitude on the court, he’s working hard.
“These are all things together which, yeah, which is great to see, no? He’s also lefty, it’s something different. My point of view, also today he played very well the first couple of sets, and then after he dropped physically a little bit. But yeah, I think we’re gonna see him much more from now on.”
READ MORE: What Jack Draper said in 2022
Will Sinner win the US Open?
After defeating Draper, Sinner has set up a blockbuster final with home hope Taylor Fritz.
With an American contesting the final of a grand slam for the first time since 2009, it’s a contest that both competitors will relish.
Sinner has been the standout performer on the tour this year, having won five titles including his maiden major at the Australian Open, and he looks in good stead to add another on Sunday.
Having battled back to defeat Frances Tiafoe in an epic five-set semi-final, Fritz has shown that he is hungrier than ever and acknowledges that this may be his best opportunity to win a grand slam for a long time.
Despite this, Sinner appears to have tapped in to the currents on US soil and will go into the championship match as the clear favorite.
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