Sinner Shaken by Shapovalov but Advances to US Open Round of 16

Less dominant than usual, Jannik Sinner still secured his place in the second week of the US Open by defeating Denis Shapovalov in four sets (5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3).

In his first two rounds, the world No. 1 had left his opponents with mere crumbs. But against Denis Shapovalov, a player he hadn’t faced since 2021 and had never beaten before, Sinner was put to the test, conceding his first break of the fortnight as early as the fourth game of the match.

Outplayed in the first set and struggling with his first serve (55%), the Italian regained his brilliance in the third set.

Trailing 0-3, Sinner raised his level to win 12 of the last 15 games (including 9 in a row) and secure his qualification after 3 hours and 11 minutes on Arthur Ashe Court.

Tested by the world No. 29, the defending champion faced 13 break points and lost his serve six times. He will need to ensure he doesn’t repeat the same mistakes against Alexander Bublik or Tommy Paul in his next match.