World No. 1 Jannik Sinner survived a stern test in New York, reminding fans and reporters that he is “not a machine” after clawing his way back from a set down to defeat No. 27 seed Denis Shapovalov and advance to the fourth round of the 2025 US Open.
The 24-year-old delivered a gritty four-set performance, rallying to secure a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win in just over three hours.
How Did Jannik Sinner Respond to Denis Shapovalov’s Early Dominance?
Unlike many of Sinner’s recent Grand Slam matches, where he has often dominated opponents in straight sets, this contest tested his composure and stamina. With the victory, Sinner extended his unbeaten streak on hard courts at majors to 24 matches.
Despite Shapovalov blasting 15 aces compared to just two from Sinner, the Italian turned the match in his favor by making the most of key opportunities. He broke serve seven times out of 13 chances while limiting Shapovalov to three conversions from six opportunities. Shapovalov managed just 52% on first serves and committed nine double faults, compared to Sinner’s 58% first-serve rate and five double faults.
Jannik Sinner’s US Open title defense is still alive! pic.twitter.com/e2bbmiqdf4
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2025
Even after dropping the opening set and trailing 0-3 in the third, Sinner’s resilience turned the tide. Reflecting on the challenge in his post-match press conference, Sinner said, “Yeah, serving very well, pushing a lot. And also, I’m not a machine, you know. I also struggle sometimes. 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.”
He continued, “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. You just have to stay there mentally.”
Sinner went on to praise his opponent’s form, noting that Shapovalov has won two titles this season and came into Flushing Meadows with confidence. “Of course, as I said before, Denis is an incredible player. He has shown this over and over again. He won two titles this year. He is in good shape, good form, I think we saw this today. Serving very well, returning well, you know, and then everything can happen,” Sinner added.
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Sinner advanced to the Round of 16 for the fourth time in New York, where he will take on either No. 23 seed Alexander Bublik or No. 14 seed Tommy Paul.
