US Open: Scintillating Sinner surges into semi-final, sets up clash with Auger-Aliassime

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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner powered into the semi-finals of the ongoing US Open with another commanding display, sweeping aside fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 at Flushing Meadows.

The defending champion needed just over two hours to secure his place in a fifth consecutive Grand Slam semi-final, extending his hardcourt winning streak to 26 matches.

A victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday would send the 23-year-old into his fourth major final of the year.

“From my point of view, it was a great performance, very solid,” Sinner said. “Especially starting very, very well in the match. Obviously, we know each other very well, but during the match you have to take the friendship away. Afterward, everything is fine again.”

Sinner flew out of the blocks, storming to a 5-0 lead in the opening set before Musetti finally got on the board to the loudest applause of the evening. But the 23-year-old could not turn the tide as Sinner’s heavy hitting and relentless consistency carried him through in straight sets.

Tale of the Tape: Sinner vs Musetti

Winners: Sinner dominated from the baseline, dictating rallies. Start: A rapid 27-minute first set underlined his intent. Consistency: Musetti threatened briefly in the second set but could not sustain pressure.

FAA Battles Through to Last Four

In the other quarter-final, Felix Auger-Aliassime staged a thrilling fightback to beat Alex de Minaur 4-6, 7-6(7), 7-5, 7-6(4) in four hours and 10 minutes, sealing his return to the US Open semi-finals four years after his breakthrough run in New York.

The Canadian 25th seed, who has battled injuries and dips in form in recent seasons, struck 22 aces and 51 winners to outlast De Minaur, who was aiming to reach a maiden Grand Slam semi-final.

“It was just a lot of nerves today during the whole match,” Auger-Aliassime admitted. “It wasn’t pretty at all times, but I was willing to dig really deep and do everything I can. It feels amazing to be back in the semi-finals.”

De Minaur, frustrated with his serving and rueful at another missed opportunity, admitted afterward:

“Right now I’m looking at this like a wasted opportunity. That’s frustrating, because you don’t get these chances often. I was nowhere near the level I needed to be at.”

Semi-Final Showdown

Sinner and Auger-Aliassime will now renew their rivalry on Friday; the Italian dominated their most recent meeting in Cincinnati last month, losing only two games in a quarter-final rout.

However, Auger-Aliassime does hold two career wins over Sinner, both coming in 2022 — a reminder that, despite the Canadian’s underdog status, the contest could be far from straightforward.

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