Felix Auger-Aliassime’s best was not enough to stop Jannik Sinner from reaching his second consecutive final in the US Open. It took a total of 3 hours and 21 minutes for Sinner to down the Canadian 25th seed, who has been in some sensational form so far in the tournament. However, that was not enough as Sinner saw off Auger-Aliassime in a 4-set battle to win the semi-final 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The Canadian turned out to be only the second player in this edition of the tournament to take a set from Jannik Sinner. He kept the Italian on his toes for the majority of the game after losing the first set of the match. Auger-Aliassime fought hard, but was unable to survive the intensity of Sinner, who picked up things around the third set of the match.
After taking a medical time-out in the aftermath of his loss in the second set, Sinner found his form and mechanically tore apart Auger-Aliassime in the third set of the match. The Canadian, however, did not give up, and played some tremendous forehand winners to keep Sinner busy for the better part of the fourth set.
Sinner’s opponents have always spoken highly about the intensity of his tennis. And how they have to keep their level up for extended periods of time to win points against him. An example of that was seen once again in the fourth set. After finding it fairly difficult to hold his serves in the fourth set, Sinner was gifted a break by Auger-Aliassime.
The Canadian double faulted his serve, handing Sinner a lucky break. This was perhaps the first time in the game where Auger-Aliassime showed signs of dropping the intensity. That break was enough for Sinner to pounce on, and seal the victory 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Sinner’s win sets him up for a much-anticipated final against rival Carlos Alcaraz. The duo have shared the spotlight throughout this year, playing summit clashes in the French Open and Wimbledon. While Alcaraz turned triumphant on his favoured clay court, Sinner beat the Spaniard at Wimbledon.
Sinner’s victory came shortly after Carlos Alcaraz beat 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Alcaraz needed just two hours and 23 minutes to register a 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2 victory.
More to follow…
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