Is Jannik Sinner unstoppable at the US Open 2025? After a dominant first-round win, he faces Alexei Popyrin, a player hungry for a breakthrough. Will Sinner continue his championship march, or can Popyrin pull off a major upset? Get the full match preview!

Jannik Sinner has emphatically launched his title defense at the US Open 2025, showcasing dominant form in his opening match. Following a swift victory in the first round, the Italian prodigy now faces a more substantial challenge in Alexei Popyrin, promising an intriguing second-round encounter at the Grand Slam.

Sinner’s 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by major triumphs at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, marking his second career grass-court title. Despite a brief hiatus due to a doping ban, his return saw him navigate through challenging tournaments, including a finals appearance at the Cincinnati Masters, though an illness prevented him from completing that match against Alcaraz.

His consistent performance throughout the year underscores a remarkable run, reaching 14 finals and clinching 10 titles, with his only four defeats coming at the hands of Carlos Alcaraz. This formidable record, including three Grand Slam finals this season, positions him as a strong contender to potentially meet Alcaraz once more in the US Open final, but first, his focus remains squarely on Popyrin.

In contrast, Alexei Popyrin enters this US Open still seeking his inaugural title of the current season. His last taste of championship glory came at the 2024 Canadian Open, where he secured his third career title and first Masters 1000 event, demonstrating his capability to perform on the big stage.

Popyrin’s year has seen a mixed bag of results, starting with several first-round exits before finding some rhythm at the Dubai Open. His most notable achievements include quarterfinal berths at the Monte Carlo Masters and the Canadian Open, indicating flashes of his potential, though he arrives in New York following a third-round loss to Rublev in Cincinnati.

Historically, Popyrin has found Grand Slam progression challenging, never advancing beyond the fourth round in any major tournament, with the US Open and French Open being his furthest ventures. His journey last year in New York was cut short in the last 16 by a home favorite, a record he will be keen to improve upon this year.

This second-round clash sets up a compelling narrative: Sinner’s red-hot form and championship pedigree against Popyrin’s desire for a deep Grand Slam run. While Sinner is clearly the favorite given his recent dominance on the ATP Tour, Popyrin’s past Masters 1000 success and ability to challenge top players suggest this match could offer moments of intense competition, testing Sinner’s resolve in his title defense.