Sinner Happy To Be Healthy

World No. 1 allays fitness worries; Swiatek wins record 65th 1st-round match

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NEW YORK - Top seed Jannik Sinner allayed recent health concerns as he launched the defence of his US Open title on Aug 26 with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 win over Czech world No. 89 Vit Kopriva.

Alongside his emphatic victory, women's draw favourite Iga Swiatek also swept into the second round.

"It feels great to be back here. Obviously, it's a very special tournament," said Italy's Sinner, who is attempting to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Swiss great Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004 to 2008.

The 24-year-old faces Australia's Alexei Popyrin in the second round.

"I'm very happy that I'm healthy again and that we did our best to be in the best possible shape here," added the Italian, who was forced to retire from last week's Cincinnati Open final against great rival Carlos Alcaraz.

"I have amazing memories (from last year). Every year is different. You come here starting this tournament hopefully in the best possible way, which I did."

Sinner's blistering start on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court was matched by Swiatek.

The Pole was similarly dominant in a 6-1, 6-2 rout of Colombia's Emiliana Arango.