Jannik Sinner, world No. 1, kicked off the US Open 2025 with authority, defeating Czech player Vit Kopriva 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 in the first round on Tuesday, August 26, at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The match, lasting just over an hour, marked the start of Sinner’s title defense after his 2024 victory. With a flawless performance, Sinner capitalized on seven of ten break points and dominated service points, securing a convincing win. The performance reinforces the Italian’s favoritism as he aims to become the first player since Roger Federer in 2008 to win the tournament in consecutive years. Played under New York’s scorching sun, the match drew thousands of spectators who cheered the precision and intensity of the reigning champion.
Sinner’s debut reflected his dominant 2025 season, boasting a 31-4 win-loss record. The Italian, who already won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, showed complete control against Kopriva, ranked 87th in the ATP. The Czech, making his main draw debut at the US Open, couldn’t mount significant resistance, quickly succumbing to Sinner’s precise attacks.
- Match highlights:
- Sinner won 84 points overall, compared to Kopriva’s 47.
- The Italian converted 7 of 10 break point opportunities.
- Kopriva committed 4 double faults, hampering his service performance.
- Sinner achieved 11 consecutive game wins, showcasing his consistency.
The Arthur Ashe crowd, one of tennis’s grandest stages, applauded Sinner’s stellar display as he advanced to the second round with renewed confidence.
Sinner’s impeccable performance at Arthur Ashe
The match against Kopriva was a clear showcase of Jannik Sinner’s technical and mental superiority. From the first game, the Italian set an aggressive pace, leveraging his powerful serve and precise groundstrokes. He won 82% of first-serve points, compared to Kopriva’s 58%, highlighting the quality gap between the two players. The Czech, despite his solid backhand, found no answers to the world No. 1’s intensity.
The match began with Sinner breaking Kopriva’s serve in the second game, establishing a lead that carried through the first set, wrapped up in just 25 minutes at 6-1. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Sinner exploiting Kopriva’s forehand weaknesses and maintaining relentless pressure. In the third set, Kopriva showed a slight fightback, winning two games, but Sinner sealed the match with an ace, closing at 6-2.
- Impressive stats:
- Sinner hit 7 aces, compared to Kopriva’s 1.
- The Italian won 57% of second-serve points, against Kopriva’s 38%.
- Sinner earned 36 points on return, underscoring his strength in receiving.
Commentators described Sinner’s display as “a tennis masterclass,” praising his ability to stay consistent under pressure.
Title defense and world No.1 defense begin 💪 pic.twitter.com/4UYUZltZOW
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2025
Sinner’s 2025 journey
The 2025 season has been marked by remarkable achievements for Jannik Sinner. After winning the Australian Open in January, defeating Alexander Zverev, and claiming Wimbledon in July, beating Carlos Alcaraz, the Italian arrives at the US Open as a top favorite. His Cincinnati campaign, where he reached the final but withdrew due to a health issue, didn’t dent his confidence. The win over Kopriva reinforces his position as the world No. 1, with 11,480 points, far ahead of the second-ranked player.
Sinner also faced off-court challenges. Earlier this year, he dealt with a three-month suspension following positive doping tests but returned stronger, reaching finals at the Italian Open and French Open. His ability to overcome adversity and stay focused has been a hallmark of his career.
- Key moments of the season:
- Australian Open victory, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 against Zverev.
- Wimbledon triumph, defeating Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
- Cincinnati final, interrupted by health concerns.
- 37-0 record against players outside the top 50 since 2024.
The Italian now prepares for tougher opponents in the upcoming rounds, aiming to maintain his unbeaten streak against lower-ranked players.
Who is Vit Kopriva?
Vit Kopriva, 28, is a Czech player on the rise. In 2025, he broke into the top 100 for the first time after winning a Challenger title and reaching the quarterfinals at the ATP Marrakech. His US Open appearance marked his main draw debut, having fallen in qualifying in 2024. Despite a strong season, Kopriva struggled against Sinner, particularly with his forehand, which the Italian exploited throughout the match.
Kopriva’s game relies on consistent ball exchanges, with a standout one-handed backhand, but his lack of power on serve and rallies was evident against the world No. 1. He ended the year with a 30-19 win-loss record, including 11 wins on hard courts.
- Facts about Kopriva:
- Reached ATP ranking of 87 in 2025.
- Finalist in Nonthaburi 3 and Naples Challengers.
- Best Grand Slam result: third round at the Italian Open.
Despite the loss, Kopriva gained valuable experience facing the world’s top player on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
What to expect in the next round?
With his first-round win, Sinner advances to the second round of the US Open 2025, where he’ll face an opponent yet to be determined, pending other first-round results. Known for his consistency in Grand Slams, Sinner has reached at least the quarterfinals in every Major since 2024. His performance against Kopriva suggests he’s in top form, with a solid all-around game.
Arthur Ashe Stadium, with over 23,000 seats, will likely continue to host Sinner’s standout performances. The American crowd, which embraced him as a favorite since his 2024 win, anticipates more brilliance from the Italian.
- Factors to watch:
- Sinner’s adaptation to New York’s hot and humid conditions.
- His ability to sustain intensity against tougher opponents in later rounds.
- Potential clashes with players like Alcaraz or Zverev in the final stages.
Sinner’s US Open journey promises excitement as he seeks to solidify his status as the leading name in men’s tennis in 2025.
Match curiosities
The Sinner-Kopriva clash featured notable moments that caught the attention of fans and analysts. The match was one of the quickest in the first round, lasting under 90 minutes, a rarity in Grand Slams. The ranking gap (1st vs. 87th) underscored the technical disparity seen on court.
- Game details:
- Sinner won 12 consecutive games at one point.
- Kopriva committed 8 unforced errors, compared to Sinner’s 5.
- The Italian led in winners, with 18 against Kopriva’s 6.
Sinner’s victory also featured moments of sportsmanship, as he applauded Kopriva’s good points, showing respect for his opponent.
