US Open reaches semi-final stage

The final Grand Slam of 2022 is set for the semi final at the US Open in New York. The men’s draw is guaranteed to produce a first-time major champion with all of the final four players yet to win a Grand Slam.

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz has risen to prominence in 2022 and won a thrilling quarter final against Italy’s Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-7 (7-9) 6-7 (0-7) 7-5 6-3 to reach his first major semi-final. The epic encounter finally ended at 2.50am local time, which is the latest a match has ever finished in New York.

The third seed with now face Rafael Nadal’s conqueror Frances Tiafoe for a place in Sunday’s final. American Tiafoe followed up his victory over Nadal by winning a five set marathon again Russian Andrey Rublev.

Nick Kyrgios had been hoping to improve on his Wimbledon runner-up display in July by winning his first Grand Slam in New York. However, he lost his quarter final match to Russian Karen Khachanov in five sets. After the match, the colourful Australian erupted in a state on anger by throwing his drinks bottles and smashing two racquets. He subsequently received the biggest ever fine at the US Open ($14,000) for the outburst.

Khachanov will play Casper Rudd who defeated Italian Matteo Berrettini in an impressive display in his quarter final match. Rudd dispatched the 2021 Wimbledon finalist in three sets 6-1 6-4 7-6 to book his place in the semi-final.