Jannik Sinner showed no lingering effects from the illness as he began his title bid in a dominant fashion at the 2025 US Open.
The World Number routed Czech debutant Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 in just 1 hour and 39 minutes on Tuesday at Flushing Meadows.
The defending US Open champion was unrelenting as he dropped only four games and never lost serve. He broke Kopriva seven times, extending his hard-court Grand Slam winning streak to 22 matches.
Sinner entered the US Open amidst health concerns as he was forced to retire from the final match of Cincinnati Open almost a week ago. He even had to sit out the US Open Mixed Doubles event due to illness.
The 24-year-old now seems to have overcome illness as he chases his third grand slam title of the year.
“I feel in a good shape physically. Has been some good practice days, especially last couple,” said Sinner. “I’m very happy that I’m healthy again. We did our best to be in the best possible shape here. I’m very happy about today’s performance.”
“I have amazing memories (from last year). Every year is different. You come here starting this tournament hopefully in the best possible way, which I did.”
Also Read: What Carlos Alcaraz Must Do To Surpass Jannik Sinner For No.1 Spot?
The Italian also eyes a rare feat- reaching all four major finals in a single calendar year- he is also aiming to become the first man to defend the US Open title since Roger Federer’s five-title streak ended in 2008.
He will next face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, who famously ousted Novak Djokovic at last year’s US Open.
Sinner will look to make a deep run in New York as he bids not only to defend his title but also his ATP World Number 1 crown which could come under threat from his friend and foe Carlos Alcaraz who eventually won in the Cincinnati Open final.
