'I'm not a machine' - Jannik Sinner survives scare against Denis Shapovalov to make fourth round of US Open
Updated 30/08/2025 at 23:08 GMT+1
Jannik Sinner reached the fourth round of the 2025 US Open despite having to survive a scare against Denis Shapovalov. The world No. 1 looked like he could be heading home after losing a closely-fought opener. However, he recovered and showed his class to reach the second week of the Grand Slam. Sinner stormed to victory at the 2024 US Open 12 months ago and is hoping to claim back-to-back titles.
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Jannik Sinner admitted that the 2025 US Open will only get physically and mentally tougher as it enters its second week after battling back from a set down to beat Denis Shapovalov 5-7 6-4 6-3 6-3.
The world No. 1 appeared to be on the ropes after losing a closely fought opener.
However, he showed immense heart to recover and win three sets on the bounce to progress to the second week of the tournament and keep his hopes of defending his crown alive.
"I'm not a machine, you know. I also struggle sometimes," Sinner told a press conference.
"Today I felt like from my side I didn't struggle. I was playing great tennis, and he also. And then the match is there.
"As I always say, when I go in matches, I just want to feel well prepared. If I feel like that, for me, it's a good feeling stepping on court, because I feel safe about my weapons kind of, but in the other way, match is always different than the practice hit or however you feel like."
Sinner revealed that he can tell the Grand Slam is entering its second week by the number of people he recognises behind the scenes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"Week two is completely different, you see fewer people behind the scenes," he said in his on-court interview.
"It is always a great sign that I am still here, and I am just looking forward to the next match.
"It is getting tougher and tougher, physically but also mentally, it is all different.
"I am obviously very happy to once again be into the next and, yeah, it is a very special place for me.
"I have been here many years, and it was the first time that I played at a major and I won last year, so it is an amazing place to be.
"Let’s see what is coming, but I am obviously very happy."
The 24-year-old is hoping to win his fifth Grand Slam and third of the year.
A fifth Slam would see him go level with his great rival Carlos Alcaraz, who took his tally up to five with victory at the French Open earlier this year.
Sinner admitted that he had to hold his nerve to get past Shapovalov, who was impressive throughout.
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"Yeah, it was a very tough match today," he said.
"I have known Denis for quite a long time, but the last time we played against each other was quite a few years ago.
"I feel like we have both improved so so much, and I knew that I would have to play at a very high level today, so I am very happy that I managed to win.
"He started off very well, so I just tried to stay there mentally and try to see what was coming.
"As always, thank you so much for the support.
"It has been amazing, it has been so many years and I am obviously very happy."
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The US Open holds a special place in Sinner’s heart. He made his first appearance in a main draw at the Grand Slam in 2019.
The Italian believes that the tournament is the greatest stage the sport has to offer.
"I think I don’t have anything to say; you just have to hear the noise," he added.
"It is amazing to step on the court here.
"This is the biggest stage that we have in tennis, so I am very happy that I can play here in this beautiful place.
"You guys [the crowd] make it even more beautiful."
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