Jannik Sinner advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open in emphatic fashion, but his dominant performance against Alexander Bublik was overshadowed by a troubling incident immediately after the match.
The World No. 1 cruised past his rival at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 but while Sinner celebrated with supporters, a fan was seen unzipping his equipment bag in a brazen attempt to access and steal its contents.
The act was quickly spotted by a security guard, who intervened and removed the individual’s hand before any items could be taken and the Italian, visibly displeased, shook his head and walked away from the scene without further comment.
The incident drew widespread attention, partly because of its timing and visibility as Sinner is currently enjoying the best stretch of his career, having captured the Wimbledon title earlier in the summer and now asserting himself as the man to beat in New York.
The matter of stealing tennis players’ belongings has become a trending topic in the last week after Polish entrepreneur Piotr Szczerek was caught on video taking a signed Kamil Majchrzak cap from a young tennis fan.
Against Bublik, the Italian needed only 81 minutes to secure the W, displaying a level that prompted his opponent to label him “AI generated” online but while Sinner looked sharp, the physical condition of his opponent also factored into the lopsided scoreline.
Just days earlier, Bublik endured a gruelling five-set battle against Tommy Paul, a contest that lasted well over three hours and Jannik was humble as he acknowledged the war post-game.
“He had a very tough match the last match,” Sinner observed afterward. “He didn’t serve as well as he usually does. I’m very happy. The first time this year I can play the night match here and it makes so, so big difference.”
The attempted theft briefly diverted attention from Sinner’s historic run. He is now riding a 25-match winning streak on hard courts in Grand Slam tournaments, a mark that leaves him just two short of Novak Djokovic‘s all-time best.
Who does Jannik Sinner play next?
Sinner is set to meet Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals of the US Open, marking a rare all-Italian showdown at this stage of the tournament after the world No. 1 advanced with that commanding win over Bublik, continuing his dominant run in New York.
Musetti, meanwhile, booked his place in the last eight by defeating Jaume Munar in straight sets, ensuring an all-Italian battle under the lights. Reflecting on the occasion, Sinner described the matchup as “a proud moment for Italian tennis.”
The US Open men’s singles championship match will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, bringing the season’s final Grand Slam to a close.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic remain in the competition and will be regarded as Sinner’s greatest two remaining threats if he is to win the US Open for the second time in his young career.
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