World No. 1 Jannik Sinner delivered a masterclass in hard-court tennis at the US Open on Thursday, defeating Australia's Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to secure his spot in the third round. The Italian defending champion, aiming to become the first men's singles player since Roger Federer in 2008 to retain the title, showcased precision and adaptability throughout the match.
Sinner's relentless baseline play and tactical drop shots kept Popyrin on the defensive, while his 23-match winning streak at hard-court Grand Slams—fueled by recent Australian Open victories and his 2023 US Open triumph—solidifies his status as the tournament favorite. A decisive ace sealed his victory, maintaining his chance to retain the World No. 1 ranking post-US Open.
"I felt confident returning, especially on second serves," Sinner remarked post-match. "There's room to improve, but I'm happy with how I managed the game."
Next, Sinner faces Canada's Denis Shapovalov, a test of his consistency as he navigates a path toward potential history. With the eyes of tennis enthusiasts and investors alike on his performance, Sinner's journey underscores the growing global appeal of Asian-hosted sporting events and their economic ripple effects.
