Sinner Advances Into US Open Third Round With Straight-Sets Win

Defending champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the third round of the US Open on Thursday after defeating Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in straight sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The world number one needed just over two hours to complete a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory, breaking Popyrin five times while saving all the break points he faced. Sinner’s baseline consistency and aggressive returns proved too much for the Australian, who struggled to find rhythm on his serve.

“It was a very, very solid performance,” Sinner said after the match. “There were some long rallies, but I felt comfortable on court and was able to stay aggressive throughout.”

The win extended Sinner’s unbeaten streak at hard-court Grand Slam events to 23 matches, equalling Roger Federer’s early-career record of 41 wins in his first 50 appearances on the surface.

The 23-year-old is aiming to become the first man since Federer in 2008 to successfully defend the US Open men’s singles title.

Next up for the Italian is Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, the 27th seed, who advanced with a four-set victory over French wildcard, Valentin Royer.

Sinner, who already holds four Grand Slam titles, is among the tournament favourites alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. His latest performance underlined his strong form as he bids for a fifth major crown and back-to-back titles in New York.