The encounter, played under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium, was billed as a celebration of the new wave of Italian tennis.

But from the outset, it was clear that Sinner’s power and precision would dominate the evening. The top seed raced through the opening set in just 27 minutes, reeling off the first five games before Musetti could find his footing.

The second set offered glimpses of resistance from Musetti, who tried to vary the rhythm with his trademark flair and shot making. Yet Sinner’s serving was close to flawless, highlighted by a 129 mph ace out wide that drew gasps from the crowd.

When Musetti double faulted at 4-4, the defending champion pounced, sealing the set with clinical efficiency.

The third set provided Musetti with his best chances as he carved out six break points, including four in one tense game. But each time, Sinner responded with composure, firing aces and forcing errors. Once he secured the crucial break, the outcome was inevitable as Sinner ended proceedings in exactly two hours.

Statistically, the gulf was stark. Sinner won 91 per cent of his first-serve points (42 of 46) and did not face a single break of serve. He struck 28 winners against just 17 unforced errors, while Musetti managed only 12 winners alongside 22 errors.

Afterwards, Sinner was quick to put the occasion in perspective. “We know each other very well. On court we have to take the friendship away, but when we shake hands, everything is fine again,” he said.

The victory not only extended his extraordinary 26-match winning streak at hard-court majors, but also lifted him to his 86th Grand Slam win, equalling Italian legend Nicola Pietrangeli.

Musetti, reflective in defeat, acknowledged the one-sided nature of the contest. “He was always leading the rally. He’s better than me, and he showed,” he admitted, though he stressed the match had been a valuable learning experience.

Sinner now turns his attention to the semi-finals, where he will face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, who overcame Aussie Alex de Minaur in four sets earlier in the day.

Victory would move Sinner one step closer to becoming the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to defend the US Open title successfully.

For now, though, Italian tennis can take pride in a night that showcased its strength in depth, even if its brightest star shone too brightly for his compatriot to handle.