The defending US Open champion returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium with an emphatic display, dispatching Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 in his opening match. Jannik Sinner expressed his delight at competing again at Flushing Meadows.
"Feels great to be back here. It's a very special tournament, the last Grand Slam of the year, and the atmosphere here is always amazing," Sinner said.
The world number one added he was pleased to have recovered his health.
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Jannik Sinner is through to the next round of the US Open with a straight sets win over Vit Kopriva
|REUTERS
"Very happy to be healthy again," he stated, whilst acknowledging the significance of defending his title.
"Amazing memories here. Every year is different, and the emotions are still running. I'm very happy to compete against the best players in the world."
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The Italian's performance suggested his recent health concerns may have been overstated.
Having withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz after just 23 minutes due to illness, Sinner had indicated his fitness remained below optimal levels.
Yet his display against the world number 89 demonstrated exceptional form. The 23-year-old's trademark backhand proved particularly devastating, repeatedly catching Kopriva wrong-footed.
Spectators gradually filled the sunlit stadium as Sinner established a 4-0 advantage in the opening set.
His dominance continued throughout, though his first-serve percentage of 59 per cent fell short of his usual standards.
Kopriva managed occasional moments of quality, notably executing an excellent drop shot whilst defending four set points in the first set.
Such highlights proved rare as Sinner maintained control without needing to accelerate beyond cruise mode.
Twelve months earlier, Sinner's US Open campaign commenced amid controversy surrounding failed drug tests for clostebol.
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Jannik Sinner admitted he is feeling much better after pulling out of the Cincinnati Open final last week against Carlos Alcaraz
|REUTERS
The Italian received what critics described as an extremely lenient punishment, with several professional colleagues expressing disapproval.
During that 2024 tournament opener against Mackenzie McDonald, Sinner lost the first set before recovering to claim victory. He subsequently captured the championship whilst dropping just one additional set throughout the fortnight.
The contrast with Tuesday's performance proved stark. The clostebol scandal continues receding as each Grand Slam passes, allowing the four-time major winner to begin his defence without distraction.
His comprehensive victory marked a significantly smoother start than the previous year's troubled opening, when the steroid controversy dominated headlines.
Job done for Jannik Sinner, and it was finished in style! 👌 pic.twitter.com/G7rqF2duAu
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) August 26, 2025
The defending champion recognises tougher examinations await in the coming rounds.
His seven-year professional career and four Grand Slam victories have instilled an understanding that early-round dominance guarantees nothing.
The Italian's exceptional shot-making, particularly his precise backhand strikes, suggests he possesses the tools to handle whatever obstacles emerge.
His technical excellence remains undeniable, even for those who continue questioning the clostebol episode.
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Jannik Sinner made light work of qualifier Vit Kopriva on Tuesday
|REUTERS
With the drug-testing controversy gradually fading and no longer burdening his performances, Sinner appears well-positioned for another deep run.
Few would wager against the world number one successfully defending his New York crown over the tournament's remaining days.