Top seed Jannik Sinner overcame a tough challenge from Tommy Paul, defeating the American 7-6(3) 7-6(5) 6-1 to secure a spot in the US Open quarterfinals on Monday. Sinner, who delivered 10 aces at the lively Arthur Ashe Stadium, stands as the sole male player to advance to the last eight in all four Grand Slam events this year.
"I served exceptionally well at the start of the match, and there were certainly some fluctuations," Sinner commented. "Establishing my rhythm towards the end of the match should benefit me in the upcoming match." Paul, supported by an enthusiastic home crowd, showcased impressive defense, saving 10 of the 14 break points he encountered, but his aspirations to break a 21-year drought in American men's Grand Slam victories were thwarted by Sinner's precise gameplay.
"Two Americans (Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz) remain in the competition, but it hasn't felt this wide open in a while," Paul noted. "I think one of us can achieve it eventually." Paul lifted American spirits by winning 11 straight points to lead 4-1 in the first set, but Sinner swiftly responded, capitalizing on a break point opportunity in the sixth game and again in the eighth with a powerful forehand down the line.
Sinner had an opportunity to conclude the set in the 10th game but failed to convert a break point, prompting the crowd to erupt in chants of "USA!" during a nerve-wracking tiebreak. The Italian forced Paul into a backhand error to secure the set point. Sinner missed a break point chance late in the second set, and the umpire had to frequently calm the crowd during the tiebreak as Sinner dominated from the baseline.
Paul managed to save a break point after a 21-shot rally in the second game of the third set, but a double fault presented Sinner with another opportunity, which he seized, delivering a forehand winner past the American. Sinner celebrated with a fist pump after Paul's shot went wide on match point.
"You must acknowledge his exceptional movement and ability to vary his game. I'm pleased with today's victory," Sinner remarked. He is set to face 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev in a rematch of this year's Australian Open final, which Sinner won in a five-set thriller.
"It's going to be a challenging match with many long rallies, so I hope to be physically prepared," Sinner stated.
