Struggling Sinner 'Not a Machine'

Italian knows it will get tougher after difficult Shapovalov test; Gauff sets up Osaka showdown

- 

NEW YORK - Reigning champion Jannik Sinner insisted he was "not a machine" after coming through a testing encounter with Canada's 27th seed Denis Shapovalov on Aug 30 to book his place in the US Open last 16.

The world No. 1 rallied from a set down to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 and is trying to become the first man to retain the title in New York since Roger Federer in 2008.

In the women's draw, Iga Swiatek also struggled through to the last 16 and home favorite Coco Gauff booked a blockbuster clash with Naomi Osaka.

"I was in a very difficult moment today," admitted Sinner, 24.

"The scoreline was a bit against me today, but I just tried to stay there mentally. I'm not a machine, you know. I also struggle sometimes. I was playing great tennis and he (was) also."

The Italian will next face Alexander Bublik, the 23rd seed from Kazakhstan who beat 14th-seeded American Tommy Paul 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1.

"Week 2 is completely different. It's getting tougher, also physically and mentally," added Sinner.