New York, United States (AFP) — Jannik Sinner avoided falling through the US Open trapdoor, which claimed Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, when he stormed into the last 16 on Saturday.

World number one and Australian Open winner Sinner raced past 87th-ranked Christopher O’Connell of Australia 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.

The 23-year-old Italian’s win came a day after four-time champion Djokovic was sent spinning to his earliest loss in New York in 18 years by Alexei Popyrin.

One day earlier, 2022 winner Alcaraz was defeated in the second round by Dutch journeyman Botic van de Zandschulp.

“Today was great match. I knew I had to play very solid. My serve worked well, so I am happy with my performance,” said Sinner after firing 15 aces in his 46 winners past the outclassed O’Connell.

Sinner did not face a single break point in his one-hour 53-minute victory, which took him into the last 16 for a fourth successive year.

“There have been some upsets in the tournament so let’s see what’s coming. I’m happy to still be here and play as many matches as possible,” added Sinner, whose comfortable afternoon in Arthur Ashe Stadium saw tennis legend Serena Williams amongst the spectators.

Britain’s Jack Draper made the last 16 for a second-successive year by defeating Alcaraz’s conqueror Botic van de Zandschlup 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.