Tommy Paul can hold his head high after his US Open run was ended in the fourth round by Jannik Sinner.
Sinner called Paul a ‘great mover’ ahead of their US Open encounter, which the former won in straight sets.
But the result certainly doesn’t tell the full story, with Sinner needing to work extremely hard to progress against Paul.
The Italian eventually defeated the American 7-6(7-3), 7-6(7-5), 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with Daniil Medvedev now awaiting in the quarter-finals.
It represents a repeat of the 2024 Australian Open final, which Sinner won after coming from two sets down.
Tommy Paul makes Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz claim at the US Open
Sinner now has a three-one record over Paul, with their most recent meeting having come at the ATP Masters 1000 Canada last year, which the former won.
The latter has now praised the world number one following their latest clash, with Paul saying in his US Open fourth round press conference: “I feel like the last time I played him it was kind of when he started, I guess he was already there, but he won his first Masters 1000 that week and beat me in the semis.
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“He plays super fast paced tennis. Today he clutched up on serve on big points. He does what all the best players in the world do. He steps up.
“I mean it’s just he is unreal out of the corners. Hits a quality ball every time the ball is on his racket. That’s what separates him.
“I don’t know comparing to [Carlos] Alcaraz, I feel like Alcaraz wants to come in more and plays more of an all court style. But Sinner is probably the best ball striker on tour and he uses it very well.”
Is Jannik Sinner closing in on the US Open title?
US Open number one seed Sinner is very much the favourite to go on and lift the trophy, with the world number one in fantastic form.
Moreover, defending champion Novak Djokovic fell in the third round, with four-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz losing in the second round.
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The US Open shocks haven’t been limited to the men’s singles, with women’s singles defending champion Coco Gauff suffering a fourth round exit.
Sinner now has a superb chance to clinch his second Grand Slam title, with his only major to date coming at this year’s Australian Open.
But Paul could still be avenged by compatriots Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe, who are both into the quarter-finals in their home Grand Slam.
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