New Delhi: Reigning champion Jannik Sinner began his US Open campaign in impressive fashion, dispatching Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 to reach the second round.
In one hour and 38 minutes, Sinner looked fresh after being forced to retire in the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz earlier this month.
The World No. 1 played freely and struck the balls cleanly to trouble Kopriva, who struggled to return the crisp shots of his oppoenent at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in the pair’s first head-to-head meeting.
“I feel in good shape physically. It has been some good practice days, especially the last couple. I feel physically in a good spot. Also it was a good first-round match, so I’m very happy,” Sinner said after his win.
Tenth seed Lorenzo Musetti registered a 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard while Denis Shapovalov downed Marton Fucsovics 6-4, 6-4, 6-0.
Alexander Bublik also recorded an opening round victory, beating former champion Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-1, 6-4.
Osaka the lady in red
Looking resplendent in a crystal-encrusted red outfit, Naomi Osaka dismantled Greet Minnen 6-3, 6-4 to begin in emphatic manner.
The two-time champion caught the eye with not only her dress but also her form at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.
“I just thought it would be really fun to do a New York under the lights. This is my night outfit, so hopefully I’ll wear my day outfit next time,” Osaka said.
“I could have had a better attitude. Like, I was just very stressed. It was the first round, and this tournament means a lot to me,” she said.
“I wish I had thought more about the process rather than the result, but I’m glad I was able to win.”
“I feel like she was more aggressive than I anticipated. I was a little overwhelmed at times, but I just tried to make her keep playing one more shot,” Osaka said.
“It feels really good to have won quite a few matches against some really good players, especially on a surface that I love.”
“I did always know I was going to take the hair off, because it is really heavy,” she explained.