Jannik Sinner Makes Strong US Open Comeback After Illness

Eight days after withdrawing from the Cincinnati Open final, Jannik Sinner showcased his resilience at the US Open by decisively defeating Vit Kopriva. This match marked Sinner’s return to form after battling illness, raising questions about his readiness for the season’s final Grand Slam.

Illness and Withdrawal: Concerns Leading Up to the US Open

Sinner’s recent health issues were highlighted when he could not complete his final match in Cincinnati against Carlos Alcaraz due to illness. Subsequent to this setback, the Italian star also withdrew from the U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament, leading to speculation about his physical condition. As recently as late last week, Sinner admitted he was still "not 100 percent."

Return to Fitness

However, his performance on Tuesday indicated a significant turnaround. Sinner emerged victorious against Kopriva with a commanding scoreline of 6-1, 6-1, 6-2, achieving his 22nd consecutive hard-court victory in a Grand Slam. After the match, he expressed relief and satisfaction:

“I feel in good shape physically. [I had] some good practice days, especially the last couple. Yeah, I feel physically in a good spot."

Match Highlights

• Match Duration: 1 hour, 38 minutes
• Games Dropped: Only 4 games throughout the match
• Service Performance: Sinner did not lose his serve and broke Kopriva’s serve seven times out of 10 opportunities.

(Source: Jason Szenes / NY Post)

Upcoming Challenge: Alexei Popyrin

Next on Sinner’s path is Alexei Popyrin, who defeated Emil Ruusuvuori in straight sets. Popyrin notably upset Novak Djokovic in the third round of the previous year’s U.S. Open, adding an extra layer of challenge for Sinner.

Key Statistics

• Recent Match: Popyrin won 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3) against Ruusuvuori.

Sinner’s ability to handle the pressure and maintain his momentum will be critical as he aims for a deep run in the tournament.

Historical Aspirations

Sinner’s ambitions stretch beyond just winning matches. At 24 years old, he seeks to achieve several milestones:

• Back-to-Back Titles: He aims to be the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to successfully defend his title at the US Open.
• Grand Slam Consistency: He has previously triumphed at the U.S. Open (2022) and back-to-back Australian Opens (2024 and 2025). Achieving a final at all four Grand Slams in a single year would align him with legends like Federer, Rod Laver, and Novak Djokovic.

“Amazing memories. Obviously, every year is different. You come here starting this tournament hopefully the best possible way, which I did,” Sinner reflected, emphasizing his readiness.

Conclusion

With his comeback match behind him and a strong performance, Jannik Sinner is poised to advance in the U.S. Open. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can continue this momentum against Popyrin and potentially secure his place as one of tennis’s modern greats.

For more details on Jannik Sinner’s journey, check out the official US Open page and stay updated on match schedules and player statistics.