Jannik Sinner weathers an Auger-Aliassime storm to reach US Open final

Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime carved out a memorable duel under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the 2025 US Open semifinal, their four-set duel a study in athletic tenacity and the elegant brutality of elite tennis. Sinner, the world’s No. 1 and defending champion, prevailed 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, but the victory was less a procession than a dramatic showcase of shifting momentum and overarching resolve.

Sinner set the tone with a near-flawless first set, his signature backhand slicing through rallies and his returns blunting the Canadian’s serve. Controlling tempo and targeting Auger-Aliassime’s weaker second delivery, Sinner won 54% of receiving points in the opener, breaking twice and never allowing his opponent rhythm. Every forehand was crisp, every approach calculated—a display of the icy composure that has made him the sport’s current emperor.

Auger-Aliassime’s Rebellion

The second set saw Auger-Aliassime surge. Channelling his frustration into firepower, he found depth on the baseline and upped his first-serve percentage. The Canadian won 94% of his first-serve points and all five points on the second serve. Sinner's first serve dipped to 45%, opening the door for his opponent. The forehand was the main weapon for Auger-Aliassime, and his movement grew lighter. A crucial early break gave him breathing room, and the Canadian took the set 6-3, fist-pumping his box and drawing vocal support from the New York crowd.

With the match levelling, Sinner responded by accelerating play, mixing short angles with a surprising adventure to net. The third set showcased his strategic evolution: high-percentage shots where risk met calculation. Auger-Aliassime’s serve kept him afloat, yet Sinner broke for a 4-2 lead after a stunning crosscourt exchange, and rode that buffer to close out the set. Their rallies—often ten or more shots—became chess matches, with both players dissecting space and exposing even the faintest tactical vulnerabilities.

The fourth was test of will. Auger-Aliassime pressed with all he had, painting lines, defending the corners, yet Sinner’s ability to raise his level under duress proved decisive. The Italian’s second serve, targeted all tournament, held up admirably; his groundstroke depth and court positioning forced errors and denied Auger-Aliassime counter-attacks. A final break at 3-3 in the fourth set sealed fate, Sinner serving out to love and booking his place in a third straight major final against Carlos Alcaraz.

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