Underdog Sinner Denies Shapovalov's Advance, Advancing to the US Open Round of 16
In an exhilarating quarter-final clash at the 2022 US Open, Jannik Sinner overcame Denis Shapovalov to advance to the semi-finals.
Shapovalov, a former top-10 player and US Open quarter-finalist from 2020, showcased his resilience in the opening set. He produced a gutsy hold for 6-5, saving a break point to take the set 7-5.
However, Sinner, who has reached the final of all three Grand Slams this season, responding with a break of his own to level the match at one set all. He made serene progress through the first two rounds of the US Open and continued his impressive form against Shapovalov.
The second set saw some intense rallies, with Shapovalov offering some resistance. Yet, Sinner managed to win a service game from Shapovalov at 3-3 to level the match. The set eventually went Sinner's way, 6-4.
The third set was a turning point in the match. Sinner broke Shapovalov early on, leading 3-0, and then went on to win nine games in a row to take a commanding lead. Shapovalov tried to mount a comeback, but it was too late to prevent Sinner from sealing the match 6-3 and securing his 24th successive Grand Slam match win on hard courts.
Sinner's opponent in the semi-finals will be determined in the evening session match between Tommy Paul and Alexander Bublik. The young Italian is quickly making a name for himself in the tennis world, having won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year.
Roger Federer, the last man to successfully defend the US Open, winning the title each year from 2004-08, will be watching the semi-finals with interest. Sinner's performance so far this season suggests that he is a player to watch in the coming years.
