NEW YORK, USA – In a highly anticipated all-Italian quarterfinal at the US Open, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner demonstrated why he wears the crown, dispatching compatriot Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets. The 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory, achieved in a brisk two hours, propels Sinner into the semifinals, marking yet another milestone in what has become a season of relentless dominance.
A Supersonic Start and Musetti`s Valiant Effort
From the first serve, Sinner was in what one might call “supersonic mode.” His precision, aggressive returns, and relentless baseline power left Musetti struggling to find his footing. The first set was a masterclass in controlled aggression, concluding 6-1 in a mere 27 minutes. Musetti, perhaps overwhelmed by the occasion of facing the world`s best and a dear friend on such a grand stage, managed to secure only a single game, highlighting Sinner`s suffocating intensity.
However, the narrative shifted slightly in the second set. As the initial shock wore off, Musetti, known for his elegant one-handed backhand and flair, began to find his rhythm. His first-serve percentage improved, and he started to engage Sinner in more protracted rallies, occasionally forcing errors from the typically unerring Italian. A hard-fought battle ensued, with the score remaining tight at 4-4. Then, a moment of tension proved decisive: a critical unforced error from Musetti, followed by a double fault, handed Sinner the crucial break. The World No. 1 wasted no time in serving out the set, a clear sign that while Musetti had found his voice, Sinner still had the final word.
The Inevitable Conclusion and Records Broken
The third set, unfortunately for Musetti`s burgeoning hopes, began with an immediate break for Sinner. For many in the Flushing Meadows crowd, the writing was on the wall, with some perhaps prematurely eyeing the exits. Musetti, however, was not one to concede gracefully. He fought valiantly, carving out multiple break-point opportunities – four in one game, and two more later – pushing Sinner to his limits. Yet, Sinner, with the steely resolve of a champion, saved every single one, demonstrating not just offensive power but also defensive fortitude under pressure. A running forehand, a shot of pure artistry and power, sealed another break for Sinner, effectively ending Musetti`s commendable US Open run.
Sinner`s victory is more than just a ticket to the semifinals; it`s a testament to his burgeoning legacy. This win makes him only the **second youngest player in the Open Era** after Rafael Nadal to reach the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in a single season – a feat that underscores his consistency across different surfaces. Furthermore, it marks his **26th consecutive victory on hard courts in Grand Slam play**, placing him third on the all-time list behind legends Roger Federer (40) and Novak Djokovic (27). His 86th Major victory also draws him level with Nicola Pietrangeli as the most successful Italian male player in Grand Slam history. And, to add another layer of dominance, Sinner maintains a pristine **16-0 record in “Italian derbies”** on the ATP tour.
What`s Next for the World No. 1?
While Musetti exits the tournament with his head held high after an otherwise high-level performance, Sinner marches on. His next challenge in the semifinals will be against the formidable Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. The tennis world now eagerly awaits to see if Sinner can continue his relentless pursuit of Grand Slam glory and add another major title to his impressive, and rapidly growing, collection.
