NEW YORK — The world’s top-ranked men’s tennis player, Jannik Sinner, sent a powerful message in his opening match at the 2024 US Open, dismissing qualifier Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in a ruthlessly efficient display on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Italian star, who claimed the coveted No. 1 ranking for the first time just weeks before the tournament, needed only one hour and 49 minutes to secure his place in the second round, dropping a mere four games and reaffirming his status as a prime contender for the title.
Sinner’s performance was a statement of intent and, more importantly for him, a declaration of physical readiness. After a difficult summer that saw him withdraw from Wimbledon due to a hip injury and struggle with health issues, the 22-year-old looked refreshed, powerful, and back to his dominant best. "I'm just happy to be back on court," Sinner said afterward. "I'm happy I'm healthy again."
A Commanding Start on the Grand Stage
Stepping onto the court for his first-ever match as the official ATP World No. 1 at a major, Sinner showed no signs of nerves. He broke Kopriva’s serve in the opening game, immediately seizing control and setting the tone for the entire contest. His groundstrokes, particularly his explosive forehand, were dialed in from the first point.
Kopriva, a 27-year-old ranked No. 121, struggled to find any answers against Sinner’s relentless pressure. The Czech player managed to hold serve a few times in the first set, but the outcome never seemed in doubt. Sinner’s movement was fluid, his serve was sharp—firing 10 aces—and he consistently dictated play from the center of the court.
The statistics from the match painted a picture of utter dominance:
- Sinner won 86% of points behind his first serve.
- He hit 28 winners to Kopriva's 13.
- He converted 6 of 11 break point opportunities.
- He committed only 21 unforced errors on a windy day.
Overcoming Adversity and Looking Ahead
The most encouraging aspect of Sinner’s performance was his clean bill of health. His journey to the top spot was briefly derailed after his run to the semifinals at Roland-Garros, where he suffered the hip injury that forced him out of the Queen's Club championship and, most painfully, Wimbledon. His return to hard courts in Toronto and Cincinnati was tentative, leading to questions about his form heading into Flushing Meadows.
Those questions were answered emphatically against Kopriva. Sinner moved with confidence, stretched for balls without hesitation, and showed no physical limitations. "The body is responding well, which is the most important thing," he confirmed in his post-match press conference. "We have been working very hard to be in good shape, and today was a good test."
The Road Gets Tougher
With the first hurdle cleared, the path to a potential first US Open title becomes significantly more challenging. Sinner will next face his close friend and compatriot, Matteo Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist who possesses a massive serve and formidable firepower. It is a blockbuster second-round matchup that few could have predicted when the draw was made.
Sinner acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead, stating, "It's going to be a very tough match. We know each other pretty well. We played together, we practice together, so it's going to be also tactical. Let's see what's coming. I will try to be ready."
A New Era and a New Mentality
This US Open marks a new chapter for Sinner. No longer is he the hunter; he is now the hunted, the man every player in the draw wants to beat. The pressure that comes with the top ranking can be immense, but Sinner has so far handled it with the same calm demeanor that has defined his rise through the ranks.
His team, led by coaches Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, has been instrumental in managing this transition, focusing on process over outcome. The goal remains improvement every day, not just defending points or a ranking. This mentality was evident in his focused, point-by-point dismantling of Kopriva—a professional doing his job with maximum efficiency.
Sinner’s current strengths are multifaceted, making him a nightmare matchup for any opponent:
- Improved Serve: Once a weakness, it is now a major weapon.
- Physical Power: His ability to crush the ball from both wings is elite.
- Mental Fortitude: He remains remarkably composed under pressure.
- Tactical IQ: He constructs points with intelligence and purpose.
Conclusion: A Statement of Intent
Jannik Sinner’s first-round victory at the 2024 US Open was about more than just advancing. It was a declaration that he is fully healthy, comfortable in his new skin as the world’s best player, and ready to compete for the sport’s biggest prizes. The emphatic nature of the win, conceding only four games, sends a chilling warning to the rest of the field.
While the specter of a difficult draw and a next-round clash with a proven Grand Slam performer like Berrettini looms large, Sinner appears ready for the fight. His simple post-match summation, "I'm happy I'm healthy again," might be the most ominous news for his competitors. A healthy, confident Jannik Sinner is the most formidable player in the world, and he has arrived in New York looking to prove it.