Sinner drops first set of 2025 US Open but defeats Shapovalov to advance

Jannik Sinner beat Denis Shapovalov 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 on Saturday

Jannik Sinner, US Open 2025 | © Zuma / PsNewz

Tennis Majors

August 30, 2025

US Open •Third round • Completed

See draw

J. SinnervsD. Shapovalov

Jannik Sinner, the top seed and defending champion, advanced to the fourth round of the US Open after a hard-fought 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Canadian Denis Shapovalov on Saturday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

The win extends Sinner’s impressive winning streak at hard-court Grand Slam events to 24 matches, a testament to his dominance on the surface. While the final score may appear straightforward, Sinner was forced to drop his first set of the 2025 tournament and was tested by the fiery Canadian.

Shapovalov, the No. 27 seed, had a golden opportunity to pull off a major upset. He came out strong, taking the first set and then leading 3-0 in the third set with a ball for 4-0. Sinner, who admitted to being challenged mentally and physically, struggled initially with his typically potent serve and return game.

Sinner won 12 of the last 15 games

“It was a very, very tough match today,” Sinner said in his post-match comments. “I know Denis since a long time. The last time we played was some years ago. We both improved so much. I knew I had to play at a very, very high level. I’m happy I managed to win. He started off very well. I tried to stay there mentally.”

However, the world No. 1 showed his trademark resilience, turning the match on its head by winning 12 of the final 15 games. Sinner’s performance was built on a foundation of efficient serving, winning 84% of his first-serve points, and a relentless return game that led to him breaking Shapovalov’s serve six times.

While the winner count was nearly even (Sinner with 31, Shapovalov with 30), it was Sinner’s ability to capitalize on crucial moments that proved to be the difference.

Sinner’s win was not only a significant step in his title defense but also a milestone for his career. At 24 years and 14 days old, he becomes the fourth youngest man to have 20 match wins at all four Grand Slams, joining an exclusive list that includes legends like Rafael Nadal, Boris Becker, and Novak Djokovic.

Shapovalov visibly disappointed

Looking ahead, Sinner will face the winner of the match between Kazakh Alexander Bublik, the No. 23 seed, and American Tommy Paul, the No. 14 seed. Sinner has a favorable head-to-head record against both, but is not taking anything for granted.

“Week two is completely different,” Sinner stated. “You’ll see less people behind the scenes. It’s a great sign that I’m still here. Looking forward for the next match. It’s getting tougher and tougher, physically and mentally, it’s all different. Very happy to be in the second week again. It’s a special place for me for many years. The first time I played the main draw of a Slam was here.”

For Shapovalov, who had defeated French wildcard Valentin Royer and Hungarian Marton Fucsovics earlier in the tournament, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. He appeared visibly disappointed at the conclusion of the match, as his quest for a career-defining win against a world No. 1 continues.

You might also like this