Jannik Sinner powers past gutsy Jack Draper to seal place in US Open final

Jannik Sinner came through a gruelling semi-final against British No .1 Jack Draper on Arthur Ashe. The Italian may have won in straight sets, but Draper's fighting spirit was clear to see after battling severe fatigue and sickness to keep pace with the world No. 1 in New York. Sinner will face Taylor Fritz in Sunday's US Open final.

Highlights: Sinner overcomes wrist injury and dogged Draper to reach US Open final

Video credit: SNTV

Jannik Sinner remains on course to complete a hardcourt Grand Slam double after powering his way past a gutsy Jack Draper in straight sets to reach the US Open final.

According to Opta, with the win, the 21-year-old Sinner "is now the youngest player to reach the Men’s Singles final at both the Australian and US Open in a calendar year, surpassing Roger Federer" who was 23 when he achieved the feat in 2004.

He will face Taylor Fritz in Sunday's final after the world No. 12 overcame Frances Tiafoe in the all-American semi-final.

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Draper bows out with plenty of plaudits after clearly struggling with sickness during the match, as his epic run to the last four came after not surrendering a set in his run to a first Grand Slam semi-final.

He will move up to a career-high ranking of world No. 20, but this proved to be one step too far.

After going toe-to-toe with Sinner in the early exchanges of the first set, the British No. 1 was broken for the first time at 4-3 down as his crosscourt forehand flew wide.

Draper admits to 'worst feeling ever' as he repeatedly vomited on court during loss to Sinner

Video credit: SNTV

But Draper responded admirably to break back immediately as Sinner hit a forehand return into the net at 4-4.

Sinner was given an opportunity to serve for the first set as Draper's resistance was eventually broken after swatting away two break points.

The Italian regained his advantage after Draper double faulted and subsequently drew first blood with an emphatic hold to love.

Draper was straining every sinew to keep Sinner at bay following a series of gruelling games at the start of the second set.

The world No. 25 was showcasing his brilliant repertoire of shots, sealing the third game in style with the most delicate of volleys.

Draper was struggling with his serve, and feeling the effects of taking on plenty of fluids after vomiting on court.

While Sinner was also going through the wars after appearing to injure his wrist as he hit a breathtaking winner before Draper claimed another hard-fought hold at 5-4.

A tie-break ensued when Sinner landed a superb forehand, in what now looked like a must-win scenario for the Brit.

But Sinner was in no mood to give anything away, and raced into a 4-0 lead with Draper broken twice in the process.

A sublime backhand return gave him hope of a comeback, but Draper lost his radar on the forehand and Sinner was within touching distance of a two-set lead at 5-1 ahead in the tie-break.

The Italian would wrap it up on his serve with another brilliant tie-break performance, after coming through two in the fourth round against Tommy Paul.

Draper appeared to be running on empty, but was admirably pushing the Australian Open champion to his limits.

The Brit was continuing to push his body to the limits, but Sinner landed another telling blow with a clinical backhand to take another break at 4-2 and move within two games of victory.

He would wrap up the contest with a wicked backhand on his first match point to win the third set 6-2, and a second Grand Slam title is in touching distance.

'Hopefully nothing to worry about' - Sinner plays down concerns over wrist injury

Video credit: SNTV

Speaking after the match, Sinner said: "Jack and I know each other very well, and we are good friends off the court.

"It was a very physical match, and I just tried to stay there mentally. He's so tough to beat and it was a very special occasion. The support has been amazing, and I'm just happy to be in the final."

When quizzed on facing an American in the final on Sunday, he replied: "Whoever it is, it is going to be a very tough challenge for me, but I'm just looking forward to it.

"I'm having a very positive season; finals are very special days. I just try to keep pushing, and we will see what I can do on Sunday."

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