Sinner receives medical attention for foot blisters in intense duel against Popyrin at the 2025 US Open
Jannik Sinner, world number 1, required medical attention for foot blisters during the second set of his match against Alexei Popyrin in the second round of the US Open 2025, held in New York on August 28. The match, played at Arthur Ashe Stadium, saw the Italian win the first set 6-3 but face physical challenges while trying to maintain his rhythm against the Australian, known for his powerful serve and surprising victories. Despite the pause for treatment, the match continued without a definitive stop, with Sinner aiming to advance in defense of his title. The incident raised questions about the Italian’s physical condition, who has had a dominant season but faced recent setbacks, such as retiring in the Cincinnati Open final. Follow the details of this match and the impact of the medical attention on Sinner’s performance.
The Italian, who started the tournament with a commanding victory over Vit Kopriva (6-1, 6-1, 6-2), showed strength in the first set against Popyrin, but the foot injury introduced uncertainty. The Australian, currently ranked 36th in the ATP, previously defeated Sinner in 2021 at the Madrid Masters and carries confidence from eliminating Novak Djokovic at the 2024 US Open. The match, still ongoing at the time of this report, promised a clash of styles: Sinner’s consistency versus Popyrin’s aggressive play.
- First set performance: Sinner won 6-3, with 81% of first-serve points won.
- Medical attention: Foot blisters led to a pause in the second set, with Sinner treated on court.
- Popyrin’s record: The Australian has an aggressive style, with 305 aces in the 2025 season.
- Sinner’s physical condition: After retiring in Cincinnati, the Italian appears recovered, but blisters may affect mobility.
The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with a capacity of over 23,000, followed every point closely as Sinner tried to stay focused amid physical discomfort.
Medical pause in the second set
The interruption for medical attention occurred early in the second set when Sinner, leading the score, requested the medical team’s intervention. Foot blisters are a common issue in tennis, especially on hard courts like those at the US Open, which demand quick and constant movement. The Italian, known for his physical resilience, received on-court treatment with bandages applied to relieve pressure on the affected areas. The procedure was brief but sparked speculation about its impact on the rest of the match.
Sinner, who covered 585 meters in the first set compared to Popyrin’s 555, relies on his agility to counter the Australian’s powerful serve, which averaged 187 km/h on the first service. The medical pause, while necessary, may have disrupted the Italian’s rhythm, who was dominating return points with 53% success on Popyrin’s second serve.
- Impact of blisters: May limit lateral movement, crucial for Sinner’s defense.
- Popyrin’s strategy: The Australian aims to exploit serves and winners (8 in the first set) to shorten points.
- Match duration: At the time of the pause, the match had lasted 47 minutes, with the first set taking 43 minutes.
The medical attention, though common in long tournaments, reignited discussions about Sinner’s health, who faced a three-month suspension in 2025 but returned strongly, reaching five finals in six tournaments before the US Open.
Sinner’s performance at the US Open
Jannik Sinner entered the US Open 2025 as the top favorite, having won the title in 2024 and securing the last two hard-court Grand Slams (Australian Open 2024 and 2025). His first-set victory against Popyrin reinforced his reputation as a consistent player, with 83% of first-serve points and 79% at the net. However, the Italian has faced physical challenges this year, including an injury that forced him to retire from the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner’s season has been marked by impressive numbers: 32 wins in 36 matches, with 317 career victories to date. His ability to stay calm under pressure and neutralize aggressive opponents like Popyrin is a cornerstone of his game. However, the foot blisters could pose a hurdle, especially in a tournament where physical endurance is key to reaching the later stages.
Popyrin’s strength as an opponent
Alexei Popyrin, despite being ranked 36th, is a dangerous opponent, particularly on fast courts. His 2021 victory over Sinner in Madrid, 7-6(5), 6-2, demonstrates his ability to challenge top players. At the 2024 US Open, he stunned by defeating Novak Djokovic in the third round before falling to Frances Tiafoe in the fourth. In 2025, Popyrin has 16 wins and 18 losses but comes off a strong showing at the Canadian Open, reaching the quarterfinals.
The Australian relies on his serve and forehand to unsettle opponents. Against Sinner, he recorded 4 aces in the first set but struggled to save break points, with only 75% success. His strategy will focus on keeping points short, avoiding long rallies where Sinner typically excels.
- Popyrin’s strengths: Powerful serve (305 aces in the season) and aggressive forehand.
- Challenges against Sinner: Low break point conversion rate (23% in 2025).
- Grand Slam record: Best result was the fourth round at the 2024 US Open.
Match conditions and atmosphere
The match at Arthur Ashe Stadium takes place under moderate conditions, with a temperature of 24°C, ideal for hard-court tennis. The fast surface favors Popyrin’s style but also highlights Sinner’s precision, who leads the ATP in first-serve efficiency in 2025. The energetic crowd could play a significant role, especially if Popyrin manages to level the second set and extend the match.
The 2025 US Open’s $44.7 million prize pool underscores the tournament’s importance, with second-round players already securing a significant share. Sinner, as the defending champion, faces pressure to maintain his performance, while Popyrin aims to repeat his 2024 upset, solidifying his reputation as a giant-killer.
Expectations for the rest of the match
The ongoing match keeps fans on edge. Sinner, despite the medical attention, appears to maintain control, but the foot blisters could impact his performance in longer sets. Popyrin needs to raise his consistency to capitalize on any weakness from the Italian. Sinner’s strong record in five-set matches, with 9 consecutive second-round Grand Slam wins, contrasts with Popyrin’s ability to pull off upsets.
The match promises to test both physical and mental endurance, particularly for Sinner, who aims to maintain his hard-court Grand Slam unbeaten streak (22 consecutive wins). For Popyrin, defeating the world number 1 on a stage like Arthur Ashe is a powerful motivator for a potential upset.
- Factors to watch: Sinner’s ability to maintain mobility post-treatment.
- Popyrin’s chances: Hinge on consistent serves and precise winners.
- Second set importance: A balanced set could shift the match’s momentum.
- Sinner’s record: 18 US Open wins, tied with Matteo Berrettini among Italians.
The match’s outcome, still uncertain, will be pivotal in determining whether Sinner advances smoothly or if Popyrin repeats his 2024 feat, cementing his status as a tournament disruptor.
