Jannik Sinner couldn't have asked for a better way to start his US Open 2025 campaign. The defending champion, stepping into Arthur Ashe Stadium as the top seed, burned through Czech qualifier Vít Kopřiva in 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 under two hours.

From the first game, it was pure Sinner. Break early, then fall into a rhythm and dictate play with heavy groundstrokes. His forehand punched holes into Kopřiva's defense, while his improved serve made sure that pressure was firmly kept on his opponent.

Most notably, the Italian's ability to step in on his returns and make the shift from defense to offense was really impressive. Even when Kopřiva managed to extend rallies, Sinner's composure and tolerance of shots proved just too much to handle. The match became a masterclass in controlled aggression, Sinner, balancing power with precision and never allowing his opponent a foothold.

There were flashes of resistance in the third from Kopřiva; there were even parts of his game that drew appreciative applause from the crowd as he pulled off some daring shot-making. Never in doubt, though. Sinner finished this one much as he started it, with a few tacks on a clean winner to forehand that underlined his dominance.

For Sinner, winning was not about passing into round 2, but rather about sending a message out loud. After a brief illness interrupted his preparation in Cincinnati, he looked sharp, energetic, and eager to defend his New York crown.

The future rounds of the tournament may hold more severe tests, but this opener again secured why the 24-year-old Italian stays on top of the men's game. His endeavor for a second consecutive title at the US Open began on a fine note.