Jannik Sinner Dominates First Round at U.S. Open 2023

World number one Jannik Sinner began his title defence at the U.S. Open with a commanding performance, defeating Czech player Vit Kopriva in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1, 6-2, on September 5, 2023. This victory marks a strong return for Sinner, who had recently battled an illness that disrupted his participation in the Cincinnati Open.

Sinner’s match took place at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he showcased his skill with an impressive display of power, serving over seven aces. His quick start set the tone for the match, as he dominated the first set, winning five consecutive games with minimal unforced errors. Sinner only dropped two points on his first serve during this period, demonstrating his tactical prowess and physical readiness.

Kopriva struggled to find his footing throughout the encounter, slipping during the second set as he chased a shot near the baseline. This misstep was compounded by a double fault that handed Sinner another break. While the Czech player managed to improve his game in the third set, Sinner maintained his composure, fighting off both break points he faced despite a slight increase in unforced errors, tallying nine in that set alone.

The atmosphere around the tournament contrasts sharply with Sinner’s experience at the U.S. Open last year, when he faced significant scrutiny due to doping allegations. In February 2023, he accepted a three-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, following a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency. This year, the crowd was supportive, cheering him on as he sealed his victory with a stunning backhand winner that just grazed the line.

Reflecting on his performance, Sinner expressed his relief at being healthy again. “Very happy that I’m healthy again, that we did our best to be in the best possible shape here,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Sinner will face either Australian Alexei Popyrin or Finnish player Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round. As he continues his quest for a second consecutive U.S. Open title, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can replicate his success from the previous year.