Sinner’s Dominance Continues with Room for Improvement at US Open
World number one Jannik Sinner extended his hard-court supremacy with a commanding 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory over Alexei Popyrin at the US Open—yet the Italian champion insists he still has areas to improve to maintain his reign. In a ruthlessly efficient display on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sinner clinically dismantled the dangerous Popyrin in just over two hours, advancing to the third round while stretching his hard-court Grand Slam winning streak to an astonishing 23 matches.
The defending champion’s triumph underscored why he remains the man to beat in New York, though his post-match reflections revealed an athlete far from complacent. I felt we both didn’t serve great, but I was laser-focused on returns, especially targeting second serves, Sinner remarked. While I’m happy with today, I’m aiming to improve my serve. Everything else feels solid, but small margins define these tournaments.
Masterclass in Control, Yet Serving Struggles Persist
Sinner’s ability to improve even during dominant wins separates him from his rivals. Despite landing only 51% of first serves—a noticeable dip from his typically reliable delivery—the 24-year-old leveraged his elite movement and punishing baseline game to neutralize Popyrin’s power. The Australian, who stunned Novak Djokovic here last year, had no answers as Sinner broke early in all three sets, converting five of nine break opportunities while saving four of five against his own serve.
The match pivoted on Sinner’s mental resilience in critical moments. Leading 3-2 in the second set, he saved three break points with a blend of bold forehands and deft net play, extinguishing Popyrin’s hopes of a comeback. He then broke the Aussie to love in the next game, showcasing his trademark killer instinct. A similar pattern emerged in the third set: after escaping 15-40 on his serve, Sinner again broke immediately, turning defense into offense with unnerving ease.
Hard-Court Supremacy with Eyes on History
Sinner hasn’t lost a hard-court Grand Slam match since the 2023 US Open—a streak encompassing his 2024 Flushing Meadows title and back-to-back Australian Open crowns. His seamless transition from clay (where he reached the Roland Garros final) to New York’s fast courts highlights his adaptability. Yet his hunger to improve is palpable. With Wimbledon already secured this summer, a third major trophy in 2025 would position him as the undisputed Player of the Year.
Next up is Canadian 27th seed Denis Shapovalov, a left-handed shotmaker capable of disrupting rhythm. Sinner holds a 5-2 career edge, but their last meeting at Wimbledon went five sets—a reminder that Shapovalov’s high-risk game can ignite at any moment.
Rublev and Musetti Power Through Amid Emerging Stories
Elsewhere, Russian 15th seed Andrey Rublev survived a spirited challenge from American wildcard Tristan Boyer. After conceding an unexpected third set, Rublev regrouped to claim a 6-3 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-4) win, setting up a clash with Hong Kong trailblazer Coleman Wong. The 20-year-old Wong, fresh from becoming the first Hong Kong man to win a Grand Slam singles match in the Open era, backed up his breakthrough with a four-set upset of Australia’s Adam Walton.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti looked sharp in a 6-4 6-0 6-2 rout of David Goffin. The 10th seed’s artistry from the baseline and improved consistency make him a dark horse in the bottom half of the draw.
Conclusion: Sinner’s Pursuit of Perfection
For Sinner, the path to a second US Open title appears wide open, yet his focus remains inward. Each match dissected, each serve recalibrated—the relentless drive to improve fuels his dominance. As rivals scramble to counter his all-court mastery, Sinner’s blend of humility and ambition might be his greatest weapon.
