Defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his ruthless run at the U.S. Open by beating 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 on Wednesday in the first all-Italian men's Grand Slam quarterfinal.
The world No. 1, who also won the Australian Open earlier this year, extended his hard-court winning streak to 26 matches and will take on Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime next.
"It was a good performance, I was very solid, I started well ... it's nearly midnight, so thank you all for staying," Sinner told the crowd.
"Obviously we know each other well," he said of Musetti.
"We're from the same country, there are so many Italians in the draw. Many Italians here so it's nice to play here. Playing Davis Cup together and stuff but you have to take the friendship away for the match. When we shake hands, everything is fine.
"It's amazing, I'm sure that back home some Italians are not sleeping. It's a special country and we have amazing support."
Sinner's thunderous hitting from the start helped him take a 5-0 lead, and while the loudest applause of the evening came when Musetti got on the board, that was the only joy he had in the opening set.
Musetti briefly threatened to break early in the second but Sinner staved off his challenge to double his advantage, before easing through the next set and finishing it with a clean hold.
"Every player in the semifinals of a Grand Slam is playing amazing tennis," Sinner added.
"It's a very special tournament. The last Grand Slam of the year. There's no better place to play a night match here, on the biggest stadium we have, with an amazing crowd.
"It means a lot to me."
Earlier, Auger-Aliassime fought back to beat Australian eighth seed Alex de Minaur 4-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5, 7-6 (4) as he continued his renaissance at the year's final major.
The 25th seed has struggled with injuries and dips in confidence since his breakthrough trip to the U.S. Open semifinals four years ago, but brought his best level to Arthur Ashe Stadium as he sent over 22 aces and 51 winners.
"It feels amazing, four years ago, it feels like more. It's been a tough couple of years but it feels great to be back in the semis," said Auger-Aliassime.
"It was just a lot of nerves today, the whole match," he said. "It wasn't pretty but that's what Grand Slam matches are sometimes."
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