Jannik Sinner says he is 'not 100% yet' ahead of US Open title defence in New York
By Jonny Bray
Published 22/08/2025 at 22:55 GMT+1
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Jannik Sinner has revealed that he is "not 100% yet" ahead of the start of his US Open title defence. The world No. 1 has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open and the mixed doubles of the US Open in recent weeks. However, he also confirmed that he would be fit enough to play his opening round match against Vit Kopriva. Sinner came out on top at the US Open in 2024.
'I feel good' - Sinner expects to be fit for US Open title defence
Video credit: SNTV
Jannik Sinner has revealed that he is not feeling 100% ahead of the start of his US Open title defence.
The world No. 1 was forced to retire from his Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz earlier this after feeling unwell on court and then subsequently withdrew from the revamped mixed doubles at the US Open.
The Italian star will be hoping to retain the title he beat Taylor Fritz to claim last year when he returns to the court for his first-round match against Vit Kopriva from the Czech Republic.
Sinner insists that he will be fine by Monday’s match, but right now he is still not feeling his best.
"So physically, I feel good," Sinner said. "You know, I have recovered mostly, not 100% yet, but we are aiming to be there in a couple of days.
"So should be all fine for the tournament. It was a virus, also some other players had it. Just sleeping and recovering. Nothing crazy."
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Video credit: SNTV
The US Open will be Sinner’s first Grand Slam appearance since his triumph over Alcaraz in last month's men's final at Wimbledon.
He will be aiming to win one of tennis’ four elite tournaments for the fifth time - Sinner has claimed the last two Australian Open titles - with the men’s singles final set to be held in New York on September 7.
Sinner and Alcaraz could go head-to-head again at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.
Sinner believes the finer margins make all the difference when the two modern greats go head-to-head.
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"We make choices for tennis," Sinner said. "It's now our first priority at the moment, which it has to be because it's very small, small details make the difference."
Victory at the US Open this year would see Sinner become the first player to win back-to-back titles at the tournament since Roger Federer won five successive crowns between 2004 and 2008.
Sinner is delighted to be returning to an event where he has so many happy memories.
"I'm very happy to be back here," Sinner added. "It's obviously the last Grand Slam we have for this season so the motivations are very high."
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