US Open: Defending Champions Swiatek and Sinner Cruise Into Second Round
Defending champions Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner showcased their dominance in the first round of the US Open, both securing swift victories on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Swiatek, the Wimbledon winner, arrived in New York in top form after her success at the Cincinnati tune-up tournament. She dispatched Colombia’s Emiliana Arango with ease, winning 6-1, 6-2 in just one hour and never facing a break point. The Polish star will next face the Netherlands’ Suzan Lamens. “Every year is tough because New York is so loud, but I’m managing to stay in my bubble,” Swiatek remarked after her match.
Sinner, the top-ranked men’s defending champion, followed suit with a commanding performance against Czech player Vit Kopriva, winning 6-1, 6-1, 6-2. The Italian, who faced scrutiny over doping allegations last season, received strong support from the crowd as he set up a second-round clash with Australian Alexei Popyrin.
In other matches, 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti edged past Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a hard-fought battle, winning 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova also advanced smoothly, defeating Australia’s Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 6-2.
The evening session promises excitement as Gauff takes the stage against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, aiming to overcome serving issues after a topsy-turvy season. Meanwhile, former finalist Alexander Zverev will face Chilean Alejandro Tabilo, and Japan’s Naomi Osaka will receive a warm welcome as she begins her campaign against Belgium’s Greet Minnen.
