World number one Jannik Sinner launched his quest for consecutive US Open titles with a commanding win on Tuesday, while favorite Iga Swiatek breezed into the second round of the women’s draw.
Italian sensation Sinner dominated Czech world number 89 Vit Kopriva with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 victory, taking just 1 hour and 38 minutes to secure his spot in the next round.
“It’s fantastic to be back here. This tournament is incredibly special,” said Sinner, aiming to become the first man since Roger Federer (2004-2008) to defend his US Open title.
Sinner, 24, will face Alexei Popyrin in the upcoming round.
“I’m thrilled to be healthy again,” Sinner shared, after retiring from last week’s Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.
“I have amazing memories from last year. Each year is different. You aim to start this tournament in the best way possible, and I did,” he added.
Sinner’s strong start at Arthur Ashe Stadium was mirrored by Poland’s Swiatek, who delivered a 6-1, 6-2 win over Colombia’s Emiliana Arango.
The 24-year-old Pole controlled the match against 84th-ranked Arango, overpowering her with strong groundstrokes and skillful net play.
Swiatek’s victory sets a record as she becomes the first woman to win 65 consecutive WTA-level first-round matches, surpassing Monica Seles’ record of 64.
However, in her post-match press conference, Swiatek’s performance was overshadowed by news of pop star Taylor Swift’s engagement to NFL player Travis Kelce.
‘Swiftie’ Swiatek
Swiatek, a dedicated “Swiftie”—nickname for Swift’s devoted fans—expressed her joy over the singer’s engagement.
“I’m just happy for her, because she deserves the best,” Swiatek said.
The six-time Grand Slam singles champion, a 2022 New York winner, will play the Netherlands’ Suzan Lamens in the second round.
While Sinner and Swiatek advanced smoothly, 2023 women’s singles champion Coco Gauff had to battle hard against Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in a nearly three-hour match.
Gauff committed 59 unforced errors, 10 double faults, and faced six service breaks before winning 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 7-5 against Tomljanovic, ranked 79th in the world.
“It wasn’t my best but I’m happy to advance,” Gauff admitted, acknowledging a challenging lead-up to the tournament.
Gauff, who claimed her second career Grand Slam at the French Open earlier this year, revamped her coaching team to improve her service game before the US Open.
“It’s been mentally tough, but I’m trying. Today was better than last week,” Gauff said.
While Gauff struggled, two-time former champion Naomi Osaka easily defeated Belgium’s Green Minnen 6-3, 6-4.
The Japanese former world number one relished the familiar atmosphere of a venue she considers home.
“Playing here always feels like home,” said Osaka, seeded 23rd, who will next face American Hailey Baptiste.
In other women’s results, Ukraine’s 27th seed Marta Kostyuk beat Britain’s Katie Boulter 6-4, 6-4. Eighth seed Amanda Anisimova of the USA defeated Australia’s Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 6-2.
Brazil’s 18th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia advanced with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 win over Britain’s Sonay Kartal.
However, French rising star Lois Boisson exited in three sets to Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic, losing 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2.
Russian 13th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova defeated Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova 6-4, 6-1, but Diana Shnaider and Sofia Kenin were among the unexpected seeds to fall.
