Sinner’s toughest match of the tournament so far saw Auger-Aliassime maintain the peak form he has displayed throughout this year’s US Open. The Canadian’s effective serve and steady backhand limited Sinner's opportunities to pull away in each set.

Despite serving well, Sinner’s service games were constantly under threat. He had to save 9 of 10 break points, largely thanks to his high-bouncing, twisting second serves aimed at Auger-Aliassime’s backhand. This was the most significant difference between the two players, as Sinner consistently returned better when facing break points, converting 4 of 11 opportunities.

Sinner celebrates a point during the US Open semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York on 5/9. _Photo: Reuters_

Auger-Aliassime proved his semifinal credentials with strong baseline play, an area where he was considered weaker than Sinner. The 25-year-old effectively utilized his court coverage and ability to slow down the pace with backhand slices. He hit 36 winners, three more than Sinner. However, he squandered more opportunities, committing 41 unforced errors and securing only one break point in the second set.

Auger-Aliassime's 22 points from 31 net approaches proved a sound tactic against Sinner. This may offer Carlos Alcaraz a blueprint for their final on 8/9, as the puzzle of consistently outplaying Sinner from the baseline remains unsolved.

“I felt like Auger-Aliassime was a completely different player compared to when I played him at the Cincinnati Masters," Sinner admitted after the match. "He served well and hit every other shot much better than before. This match was really difficult, and I’m pleased with my performance.”

Sinner experienced stomach discomfort in the second set, which he lost 3-6, requiring him to leave Arthur Ashe Stadium for treatment. The pain seemed to affect his serve speed in the following two sets. However, his kick serve, bouncing high towards his opponent's backhand, repeatedly helped him out of trouble.

This 300th career victory sends Sinner to his fourth Grand Slam final of the year and his fifth consecutively since last year’s US Open. He has a chance to match Novak Djokovic’s best achievement of winning three Grand Slams in a single year.

The clash with Alcaraz will also decide the world number one ranking, which Sinner has held for 65 consecutive weeks. This is the first time in the Open Era that two players have faced each other in three Grand Slam finals in the same year.

Vy Anh