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Sinner defeats Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
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Italian joins Laver, Federer, Djokovic with slam feat
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Alcaraz showdown will decide world No 1 ranking
Jannik Sinner will meet Carlos Alcaraz for the US Open title after the defending champion survived an injury scare to repel a spirited challenge from Félix Auger-Aliassime in four sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The world No 1 prevailed 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in three hours and 21 minutes on Friday night, booking a third consecutive grand slam final against the Spaniard and underlining a rivalry that has already reshaped the men’s game.
The win made Sinner only the fourth man in history, after Rod Laver, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, to reach all four major finals in a single season, and at 24 the youngest to do so. His streak of 27 straight victories at the hard-court majors equalled Djokovic’s best, with only Federer’s 36 still ahead. He has now reached five consecutive major finals, lifting trophies in Melbourne and at Wimbledon and standing one point from victory at Roland Garros before Alcaraz turned the match around. The No 1 ranking will also be on the line in Sunday’s final. “It’s been an amazing season,” Sinner said. “The grand slams are the most important tournaments and to find myself in another final here, with such an amazing crowd, it doesn’t get better. It was very tough tonight but I’m happy I managed it. Sunday will be very special. Carlos and I know each other so well.”
