World No 1 Jannik Sinner has revealed that he is fully healthy and in good shape, following a bout of illness that wrecked his chances in the Cincinnati final the week prior to the US Open.
The Italian had to withdraw from that match in the opening set, before also pulling out of the revamped mixed doubles event the following day as he faced a concerning race against the clock to recover in time for the final Grand Slam of the season.
But Sinner, the defending champion in New York, cruised through his first-round encounter, dropping just four games against Vit Kopriva in a dominant 6-1 6-1 6-2 victory.
Following the win, Sinner revealed that he is back in good shape and has fully recovered from his recent struggles – an ominous revelation for the rest of the men’s field.
“I’m very happy that I’m healthy again and that we did our best to be in the best possible shape here,” the Italian said.
“I have amazing memories,” he continued, when asked about returning to the scene of his maiden US Open triumph from last year.
“Every year is different and you come here starting this tournament hopefully in the best possible way, which I have done.
“Coming back to a Grand Slam, where the emotions are still running – I’m very happy to come back here and compete against the best players in the world.”
As Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, Sinner has lost just one Grand Slam match this season, to Carlos Alcaraz in that epic, instant classic in the final of Roland-Garros just under three months ago.
His bid to secure a third major title of the season is underway and looks very much on track in New York.
