Jannik Sinner faced challenges during his US Open semifinal match against Jack Draper, particularly after injuring his left wrist in the second set. On a notably humid Friday, both players required medical attention; Draper was seen vomiting twice, while Sinner received treatment for his wrist after a fall, yet he continued to showcase dominance on the court.
The Italian star, who was recently cleared of a doping allegation just days before the tournament, eventually triumphed with a score of 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-2, securing his spot in his first US Open final and second Grand Slam final of the year. “It was a very physical match,” Sinner noted, acknowledging the intensity of the game. Despite the discomfort from his wrist injury, Sinner managed to perform well, flexing his wrist occasionally but remaining focused mentally.
A rather unusual scene unfolded during the match when Draper vomited on the court, prompting immediate attention from trainers and groundskeeping staff. The court had to be cleaned up with a vacuum while play was temporarily halted. Conditions were challenging, with the temperature nearing 80°F and humidity levels high, impacting both players. Draper struggled with sweat, leading to frequent changes of his shirt and shoes.
Sinner made history being the first Italian man to reach the singles final at the US Open. If he wins, he will aim to become the third man in the Open era to secure two major titles within the same calendar year, following in the footsteps of Jimmy Connors and Guillermo Vilas.
As the match extended beyond three hours, Sinner’s precision and endurance became evident, winning a significant majority of extended rallies. Draper acknowledged Sinner’s high level of play, attributing part of his challenges during the match to heightened nerves and physical strain. Despite the discomfort, Draper resolved never to retire from the semifinal match, highlighting his determination.
Sinner, who improved to a remarkable 34-2 record on hard courts for the year, will face Taylor Fritz in the final, aiming for his second major title. After the match, he remained optimistic about his wrist injury, hoping it wouldn’t pose a long-term concern.