The US Open mixed doubles aspirations of Italian star Jannik Sinner and Russian partner Anna Kalinskaya have been shattered in a heart-stopping third-set tiebreak on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Seeded fourth and considered strong contenders for the title, the duo faced a formidable challenge from the experienced British-American pairing of Jamie Murray and Taylor Townsend. The match was a gruelling, back-and-forth battle that showcased the very best of Grand Slam doubles action.
The first set was a masterclass in precision from Sinner and Kalinskaya, who secured a crucial break of serve to clinch it 6-4. Their powerful groundstrokes and aggressive net play seemed to give them the upper hand. However, Murray and Townsend, drawing on their vast experience, mounted a fierce comeback in the second set, breaking their opponents' serve to level the match with an identical 6-4 scoreline.
This set the stage for a dramatic championship tiebreak to decide the entire contest. The tension was palpable as both pairs traded blows, refusing to give an inch. In the end, it was the veteran savvy of Murray and Townsend that prevailed, edging out the fourth seeds 10-7 in the final breaker to secure their place in the next round.
This early exit marks a significant disappointment for Sinner, who was looking to add a mixed doubles title to his impressive singles résumé. For the fans in New York, it was a thrilling spectacle and a stark reminder that in the cauldron of a US Open tiebreak, anything can happen.
