Jannik Sinner is the fourth man in the Open era to reach all four grand slam finals in the same year, joining Rod Laver, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

He says: “Amazing season. Grand slams are the most important tournaments we have throughout the year. Finding myself in another final here, with an amazing crowd, doesn’t matter when you play. It doesn’t get any better.”

Sinner was pushed hard by Auger-Aliassime tonight and the World No 1 had some kind words for his opponent, who had returned to the US Open semi-final after a couple of difficult years.

Sinner had easily defeated Auger-Aliassime in Cincinnati a few weeks ago and says: “Me and Felix played the last tournament. He’s a completely different player. Serving much better. Hitting every shot much better. It was a tough match today.

“Obviously very very happy. I saw him maybe a bit injured at some point. Hopefully it’s nothing bad. I wish him all the best. He’s an amazing player and amazing person. Always nice to share a match with him.”

For the first time in the Open era, the same two men will play each other in three grand slam finals in a row in the same season.

After the French Open and Wimbledon, with have the third chapter of Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner to come on Sunday.

Jannik Sinner has reached the finals of all four grand slams in the same year!

Sinner brushes off his injury timeout and says: “It’s nothing too bad, I served after a bit faster again. It’s nothing serious. No excuses. Sunday is an amazing final again so let’s see.”

Sinner gets a couple of cheap points from Auger-Aliassime, who looks to be cramping late in the match to move two away. But a double fault from Sinner will raise the nerves a little.

Auger-Aliassime goes out on the return! Match point to Sinner. Auger-Aliassime fires long and there’s relief for Sinner! He’s back in the US Open final!

That’s a great hold from Auger-Aliassime, who slams two smashes after great defence from Sinner.

Sinner made some sensational returns but Auger-Aliassime holds the Italian off.

Sinner will now serve for the final.

Here comes Sinner again... he finds a brilliant backhand lob to leave Auger-Aliassime stranded at the net. Sinner will have two break points.

Auger-Aliassime holds him of! He finds the big wide serve and forehand to the opposite side. Forehand winner from Auger-Aliassime!

That’s a great save.

Wouldn’t you just know it. After fending off Auger-Aliassime, Sinner strikes to break in the very next game.

Auger-Aliassime double-faulted up 30-15, but then Sinner played two sublime points to break. He painted the lines, bringing his best level for the big moment, and eventually Auger-Aliassime floats long.

A huge fist-pump from Sinner.

INCREDIBLE game!

Somehow, Sinner survives three break points to hold! Auger-Aliassime was an inch away from the break, but Sinner caught the line with a backhand angled pass.

Credit to Auger-Aliassime for how he pushed, but that’s a golden opportunity gone.

Sinner, though, is feeling the strain.

Sinner faced 15-40 as Auger-Aliassime had two break points.

Sinner responds with three aces in a row, then comes out on top in the forehand exchange to hold.