Sinner sinks Musetti, Osaka wins

Jannik Sinner mowed down Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 as the defending chanmpion put his lethal game on display to return to the semi-finals of the US Open.

The world No. 1 was joined on the women’s side by two-time New York winner Naomi Osaka, who dispatched Czech Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6 (3). 

Sinner’s two-hour sweep denied Musetti a place in a third Grand Slam semi-final, with the top seeded winner pleased with his efficient, crushing result.

“It was a great performance, very solid, especially starting very, very well in the match,’’ Sinner said after losing just one set over the fortnight so far.

“These are very special occasions. Finding myself again in the semis of a Grand Slam, it’s a great, great achievement. 

“I’m very, very happy about that. We try to prepare ourself always in the best possible way to be in this position. 

“I love to go deep in a tournament and try to raise my level. I really like playing

best-of-five. I know my body a little bit better, so I’m very happy and pleased to be again in the semis.”

Sinner saved all seven break points he faced while never allowing his friend and compatriot room to breathe.“Obviously we know each other very well,’’ Sinner said. “We come from the same country.

“There are so many Italian players in the draw, it’s nice to play here. Obviously [we play] Davis Cup together and stuff like this.

“We have to take the friendship away for the match, then obviously when we shake hands, then everything is fine.”

Sinner began by winning the first five games of the opening set in a taste of what was to come on the Ashe showcourt.

The four-time Grand Slam cmapion ended with 28 winners 

while Musetti managed only a dozen.

Sinner is into his fourth semi-final this season at a major and now plays for the final against Felix Auger-Aliassime, who has won three of their four meetings.

The Italian form the German-speaking northern alpine region aims to become men’s singles champion to defend his title here since Roger Federer (2004-2008).

In the women’s draw. Osaka moved into a semi against seed Amanda Anisimova, who stunned Iga Swiatek to win a Wimbledon finals rematch from July.

“Definitely it was a really tough match I think for me. Honestly, I was just trying to hang in there and see if I got an opportunity.”

Osaka produced 30 winners and 19 unforced errors as she overcame Muchova in 93 minutes.

“Honestly, I was the most nervous for my first-round match and my (third-round) match against (Daria) Kasatkina. I don’t know why. I just was,” the Japanese player said.

“But the deeper I go in a tournament, the less nervous I become, unless it’s a final, potentially. 

“I haven’t been there in a while. I know I have to give it my best shot.”

Osaka called Anisimova “one of the most talented players on tour. No one wants to see her name next to theirs.”