Sinner Set to Clash with Popyrin, Osaka to Battle Baptiste

NEW YORK: After securing convincing victories at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday, defending champion Jannik Sinner and Japan’s Naomi Osaka have both progressed to the second round of the US Open.

Sinner, who had to withdraw from the US Open mixed doubles tournament earlier in the month due to illness, dominated his first men’s singles match, defeating Czech player Vit Kopriva with a score of 6-1, 6-1, 6-2.

In the next round, Sinner is scheduled to compete against Australian Alexei Popyrin.

Jannik Sinner conveyed his happiness at being back on the court after overcoming his health concerns.

“I am very pleased to be healthy once more, and that we put in maximum effort to be in optimal condition here,” Sinner stated.

“It feels wonderful to return here; this tournament is clearly very special.”

Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka also made a strong statement in New York, as she defeated Greet Minnen of Belgium 6-3, 6-4 in their first-round match at Flushing Meadows.

The two-time champion confessed to initial nervousness at the beginning of the match but quickly seized control, finishing the contest in 83 minutes with impressive statistics.

Osaka commented on her win, acknowledging her stress and expressing a desire to have focused more on the process rather than solely on the result.

“My attitude could have been better; I was quite stressed. It was only the first round, but this tournament holds significant importance for me,” Osaka explained.

“I wish I had concentrated more on the journey rather than just the outcome, but I am happy I managed to secure the win.”

Osaka is now preparing to face American Hailey Baptiste in the tournament’s second round.