Sinner cruises past Popyrin to reach US Open Third Round

World number one Jannik Sinner continued his dominant title defense at the US Open with a commanding straight-sets victory over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the second round on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Italian needed just over two hours to wrap up a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win, breaking Popyrin five times and controlling the match with his sharp returns. It marked another efficient outing for Sinner, who conceded only four games in his opening-round match against Vit Kopriva.

Speaking after the victory, Sinner said: “Obviously, I try to play the best tennis I can; the first round match is always different compared to the further you go in the tournament. I’m very happy that I managed these matches as good as I could.”

He admitted both players struggled with their serves but credited his return game for making the difference. “Today, it felt like neither of us served well, but I was returning well and especially on the second serve. I am aiming to improve on the serve, but the rest of my game I am quite comfortable with.”

Sinner, who has already reached all three Grand Slam finals this year, lifting the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles, will now face Canada’s 27th seed Denis Shapovalov in the third round on Saturday.

The Italian is aiming to become the first man to defend the US Open crown since Roger Federer achieved five straight triumphs in 2008.