'Very Happy To Be Healthy Again': Jannik Sinner Begins US Open Campaign With Quick Win

Last Updated:August 27, 2025, 08:04 IST

Jannik Sinner had retired last week from the final of the Cincinati Open against Carlos Alcaraz due to illness.

Jannik Sinner waves to the crowd after defeating Vit Kopriva. (AP Photo)

Jannik Sinner addressed recent health concerns as he defended his US Open title on Tuesday, defeating Czech world number 89 Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-1, 6-2. Top-ranked Sinner needed just an hour and 38 minutes to overcome the 28-year-old Kopriva, who was making his main draw debut at Flushing Meadows.

Sinner‘s preparation for the tournament was disrupted last week when he had to retire due to illness against Carlos Alcaraz in the first set of the Cincinnati Open final. However, the 24-year-old appeared fully recovered, delivering a clinical performance that included seven breaks of Kopriva’s serve.

“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."

The Italian aims to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Roger Federer won five consecutive titles from 2004-2008. This marks the longest period without a successful men’s title defence in any Grand Slam tournament during the Open era.

“It feels great to be back here. Obviously it’s a very special tournament," said Sinner, who has won his last 22 matches on hard courts at Grand Slams. “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."

Sinner will next face Alexei Popyrin for a spot in the third round. Popyrin notably eliminated Novak Djokovic in New York last year, marking Djokovic’s earliest Grand Slam exit since 2017.

Sinner has won two of this season’s three Grand Slams—the Australian Open and Wimbledon—and reached the final of the French Open, where he held three championship points before losing to Alcaraz in a fifth-set tie-break.

After commencing his US Open campaign convincingly, Sinner plans another deep run in New York. “I did learn that I just come to work and then get out of here, you know, because it can be very long at times," he said.

With AFP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

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New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 27, 2025, 08:04 IST

News sports 'Very Happy To Be Healthy Again': Jannik Sinner Begins US Open Campaign With Quick Win

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