World number one Jannik Sinner cruised into the US Open third round with a commanding 6-3 6-2 6-2 win over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, extending his unbeaten run in hard-court Grand Slam matches to 23.
The defending champion was in control from the outset on Arthur Ashe Stadium, breaking Popyrin’s serve early in each set and maintaining relentless pressure throughout the two-hour encounter. Despite the straight-sets win, Sinner admitted his performance was not flawless.
“I felt like we both didn’t serve great but I was returning very well, especially on the second serve,” said the 23-year-old Italian. “I’m very happy about today. Obviously I’m aiming to improve the serve but, about the rest, I feel quite comfortable.”
Sinner, who has not lost at a hard-court major since falling to Alexander Zverev in the fourth round of the 2023 US Open, has since captured titles at both the 2023 US Open and back-to-back Australian Opens. His ruthlessness against Popyrin, who defeated Novak Djokovic in New York last year, sent a strong message to the rest of the field.
Midway through the second set, Sinner saved three break points at 3-2 before immediately breaking to love, dashing any chance of a Popyrin comeback. A similar sequence unfolded in the third, with Sinner recovering from 15-40 on serve before breaking again in the following game.
Next, the top seed will face Canada’s 27th seed Denis Shapovalov in the third round as he continues his pursuit of a third Grand Slam title in 2025.
