TENNIS – Defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his ruthless run at the US Open by beating 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti 6–1 6–4 6–2 in the first all-Italian men’s Grand Slam quarter-final.
The world number one, who also holds the Australian Open trophy, extended his hardcourt winning streak to 26 matches and will take on Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime next.
“It was a good performance, I was very solid, I started well ... it’s nearly midnight, so thank you all for staying,” Sinner told the crowd.
“Obviously we know each other well,” he said of Musetti.
“We’re from the same country, there are so many Italians in the draw. Many Italians here so it’s nice to play here. Playing Davis Cup together and stuff but you have to take the friendship away for the match. When we shake hands, everything is fine."
“It’s amazing, I’m sure that back home some Italians are not sleeping. It’s a special country and we have amazing support.”
Sinner’s thunderous hitting from the word go helped him take a 5-0 lead, and while the loudest applause of the evening came when Musetti got on the board that was the only joy he had in the opening set.
Musetti briefly threatened to break early in the second but Sinner staved off his challenge to double his advantage, before easing through the next set and finishing it with a clean hold.
“Every player in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam is playing amazing tennis,” Sinner added.
“It’s a very special tournament. The last Grand Slam of the year. There’s no better place to play a night match here, on the biggest stadium we have, with an amazing crowd.
“It means a lot to me.”
Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka returned to the US Open semi-finals with a 6-4 7-6(3) win over Karolina Muchova, as the four-times Grand Slam champion delivered a battling display to underline her resurgence on the sport’s biggest stage.
Four years after winning the last of her four major titles, the Japanese 23rd seed, who returned last season after a lengthy maternity break, stretched her unbeaten run in major quarter-finals to 5-0 and booked a clash with Amanda Anisimova.
“It means so much. I’m surprised I’m not crying,” said Osaka, who only two years ago was watching the semi-finals from the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I was sitting up there watching and hoping I would have an opportunity to play on this court again, so my dreams are coming true ... There’s been so much hard work you guys haven’t seen.
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