British tennis sensation Jack Draper has powered his way into the semi-finals of the US Open, defeating 10th seed Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 in a dominant performance. The 22-year-old’s remarkable win marks the first time a British man has reached the last four at Flushing Meadows since Andy Murray’s 2012 title triumph. Draper is now set to face world No.1 Jannik Sinner in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final showdown.
Draper seized control early against an underperforming De Minaur, who reportedly cut his practice session short due to issues before the match. Draper capitalized on the opportunity, breaking De Minaur’s serve twice to secure the opening set. Although he missed five set points, the British No. 1 ultimately closed it out with a stunning cross-court forehand.
Draper’s next challenge will be against his good friend, Jannik Sinner. The top-seeded Italian showed his class by defeating 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, booking his spot in the semis. Tennis fans are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated clash between two rising stars, with Draper looking to continue his fairytale run.
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Meanwhile, in the women’s draw, sixth-seeded American Jessica Pegula stunned world No. 1 Iga Swiatek with a 6-2, 6-4 victory, securing her first-ever Grand Slam semi-final appearance. Pegula capitalized on Swiatek’s shaky forehand, thrilling the home crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The win marks the biggest triumph of Pegula’s career as she now prepares to face Czech star Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals.
Muchova, who has yet to drop a set at this year’s US Open, fought through illness to defeat Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-1, 6-4. Despite needing medical treatment and multiple comfort breaks, the Czech showed grit and determination to reach the New York semi-finals for the second consecutive year.
Pegula praised her upcoming opponent, saying, “She’s so talented, so athletic. I know she has experience going deep in Slams, so I’ll need to bring my best tennis.” The semi-final clash promises to be a fierce contest as both players vie for a spot in the final.
In a related development, American 13th seed Emma Navarro will take on tournament favorite Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the women’s singles final, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of tennis at the US Open.
