World number one Jannik Sinner and 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic both secured their places in the second round of the U.S. Open, but their victories told very different stories. Sinner, the defending champion, looked in imperious form as he cruised through his opener, while Djokovic admitted to a significant "physical struggle" during his hard-fought win.
Putting to rest any concerns about his fitness, Sinner began his title defense with a ruthless 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 demolition of the Czech Republic's Vit Kopriva. The Italian had withdrawn from a recent tournament due to illness but was in complete control from the start, showing no signs of any lingering issues. "Very happy that I’m healthy again," Sinner said after the match.
In contrast, Novak Djokovic was forced to dig deep to overcome American teenager Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2. Having not played a competitive match in six weeks, the 38-year-old Serb looked visibly fatigued and unsteady during a grueling 84-minute second set in the humid New York conditions.
Top American contenders Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz both began their campaigns with convincing straight-set victories as they look to end the 22-year drought for a home men's singles champion. "We're in a great place in American tennis," said fourth-seeded Fritz after his win. "The women have been really carrying for a long time, but the men, we're coming."
Denmark's Holger Rune ended his streak of first-round losses at Flushing Meadows with a hard-fought win over Botic van de Zandschulp. The No. 11 seed, who had lost in the opening round in his last two appearances, held his nerve through two tough tiebreaks to secure the victory. "So nice to start the US Open this way,” a relieved Rune told the crowd.
In a late-night match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Alexander Zverev wasted little time in dispatching Chile's Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-4. The German was pleased with the efficient result but acknowledged he has room to grow. “I'm through, I won in straight sets, that’s the most important thing,” Zverev said. “There’s a lot to build still, there’s a lot to improve.”