(New York) The Italian Jannik Sinner, sixth player in the world, qualified for the third round of the United States Open on Thursday after beating his compatriot Lorenzo Sonego (N.39), 6-4, 6-2 , 6-4.
After a sluggish start to the match, Sinner set up his game, with power contrasting with his frail physique.
Sonego tried to wrap the trade, run Sinner, but the recent Toronto tournament winner pitted him against his positional sense, serve and ability to take the ball early.
Rather known for his baseline game, the recent Wimbledon semi-finalist also took the initiative at the net, successfully (22 points out of 25 climbs).
“My game has improved,” said the Italian after his victory. “I feel more comfortable at the net. »
In the third round, Sinner will be opposed to the winner of the meeting between the Argentinian Thomas Etcheverry (N.34) and the Swiss Stan Wawrinka (N.49).
The Pole Hubert Hurkacz, 17th player in the world, was eliminated Thursday in the second round by the Briton Jack Draper (N.123), 6-2, 6-4, 7-5.
Thirty-eighth player in the world at the start of the year, Draper has just returned from a shoulder injury at Roland-Garros, which deprived him of ground for more than two months.
Paradoxically, Hurkacz arrived in New York with, on his record, a semi-final in Cincinnati, and an eighth-final at Wimbledon.
Draper showed aggression throughout the match, systematically looking to take the direction of the exchange and not hesitating to go and conclude at the net.
He got his way, Hurkacz committing no less than 49 unforced errors in just three sets. To make matters worse, the Pole was betrayed by his service.
The seeded N.17 appeared wait-and-see, suffering the pace set by his opponent.
In the third round, the Briton will meet the winner of the match between the two Americans John Isner (N.157) and Michael Mmoh (N.89).
