Defending US Open champion Jannik Sinner moved into the third round with a clinical 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin at Flushing Meadows, signaling that he’s in ominous form as he chases back-to-back titles.
The world number one, bidding to become the first man to defend the Flushing Meadows crown since Roger Federer in 2008, faced a stubborn test from a determined Popyrin on Thursday night local time. Sinner, who will meet Canadian 27th seed Denis Shapovalov in the next round, seized control early, forging a 4-1 lead with a crisp reflex return and never allowing Popyrin a sustained spell of rhythm.
Sinner sealed the first set on serve, then, after a brief break for treatment on his right foot, carried the momentum into the second and third sets. He converted an early break in the second and finished off the set with a deft net drop on set point, before closing out the match with a steady display of power and precision.
“I obviously try to play the best tennis I can,” Sinner said. “The first round matches are always different compared to the further you go in the tournament. I’m very happy that I managed these matches as good as I could; when you are up two sets and a break, you try to serve as best as you can. Today it felt like neither of us served well, but I was returning well, especially on the second serve. I’m happy about today. I’m aiming to improve on the serve but the rest of my game, I’m quite comfortable with.”
Popyrin had hoped to derail the defending champion for a second straight year after toppling Djokovic a year ago but found Sinner’s rhythm too much to overcome. With the win, Sinner advances to the third round, where he will face Shapovalov in a clash that could boost his title defence push in New York.
Commentary and context:
– The result reinforces Sinner’s status as the form player in men’s tennis, capable of closing out matches decisively when his serve is on song and his return pressure remains constant.
– Heading into the second week, his ability to mix aggressive baseline play with smart net options keeps him as a primary title favorite at the US Open.
– Shapovalov’s presence as the next opponent adds a dynamic test, given his variety and serve, while Sinner’s ongoing rhythm will be crucial as the draw tightens.
Summary: Sinner extended his hold on the US Open by beating Popyrin in straight sets to reach the third round, setting up a meeting with Denis Shapovalov. The performance underscored his continued form and his bid to become the first man since Federer to defend the Flushing Meadows title. Positive note: fans can look for continued momentum as he pursues back-to-back Grand Slam glory.
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