Jannik Sinner steamrolled past Daniil Medvedev at the 2024 US Open, but he refused the 'big favorite' tag after the match, saying that everybody is capable of winning.
Sinner is the world number one player on the ATP Tour, and he has been steamrolling almost past everybody at the US Open. His latest victim was Medvedev, whom he beat in four sets to secure a semi-final against Jack Draper.
The Italian has been a level above everyone so far at the US Open, with minor issues in most matches. He has looked like a player who can find solutions for any kind of problem, which is what he has been able to do in all of his matches.
He didn't face the easiest opponents either, but even with his impressive performances and confidence, he doesn't think he's necessarily the favorite. While he is the world number one on a nine-match winning streak, the Italian took the high road when asked about being the favorite.
In his mind, everybody who made it this far in the event can win it, which is true, but it's really difficult to argue that he is not the favorite. He is certainly the best player remaining in the draw.
"No, you know, everyone, whoever is in quarters or semis or round of 16, deserves to be there. You know, no win is granted… you always have to find a solution against each opponent. I think that's what I try to do."
Sinner has been good at solving problems so far, and the Italian will need to keep doing that. His next problem will be Jack Draper, a player who has not dropped a single set so far at the event.
What is an asset for Sinner is that he has played in matches like that one before. That's not the case for Draper and having that experience to fall back on will certainly help him relax a little bit and play as well as he can play.
"Now, you know, the matches are a bit different. Semis, you know, the feelings before the match isn't that different. I'm lucky that I played already with these kind of feelings, but let's see. You know, it's going to be very interesting to see."
While it's been a successful event for the 23-year-old so far, there are still two matches to be won. None of them will be easy because the players he will face in those didn't make this round of the event by mistake.
They earned their place, just like he did. For him, it's a great feeling to be in the semi-final, but he's not relaxing. He's giving his opponents credit and anticipating a tough battle.
"I'm happy to be in this position trying to play some great tennis. And as I said, Jack is playing some amazing tennis. You know, maybe the best tennis he's playing until now. So it's going to be a tough one."
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