The defending champion walks into Arthur Ashe Stadium with everything to lose and everyone gunning for him. Jannik Sinner knows what it takes to win the US Open, but this time feels different. The pressure, the expectations, the targets on his back from every player in the draw who wants to knock off the world No. 1.
How Is Jannik Sinner Preparing to Defend His US Open Title?
Sinner arrived at the US Open fresh from a challenging campaign in Cincinnati, where his status among the tour’s elite was confirmed and questioned. The Italian reached the final against Carlos Alcaraz, but an abrupt illness forced him to retire mid-match, ending his title defense.
However, the Italian appears to have bounced back from that setback. Though he later opted out of the US Open mixed doubles, the four-time Major champion now looks in prime condition. He recently engaged in an intense practice session with Francisco Comesaña at Flushing Meadows, showing the kind of form that got the Arthur Ashe crowd buzzing during the workout.
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What truly made the practice session special was the level of star power gathered at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The sight of tennis heavyweights crossing paths thrilled fans and reminded everyone why this tournament brings out the sport’s biggest names.
Jannik Sinner, Francisco Comesana, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev all on Arthur Ashe pic.twitter.com/mdkdzFGxSr
— Sam (@LoverLondonGirl) August 21, 2025
The Italian was spotted catching up with Serbian legend Novak Djokovic before sharing a light moment with world No. 3 Alexander Zverev on court. The highlight, however, came when he exchanged a warm embrace with his fierce rival Carlos Alcaraz. That moment between the two players who’ve battled for supremacy all season made the atmosphere even more electric for the fans watching.
Jannik Sinner has arrived on court pic.twitter.com/l6ZRzhrOje
— Sam (@LoverLondonGirl) August 21, 2025
Sinner heads into the 2025 US Open determined to defend his title and claim a fifth Grand Slam crown. The world no. 1 has already proven his mastery of hard courts, with three major victories on this surface serving as proof of his ability to perform when it matters most.
What Does Jannik Sinner’s Path Through the 2025 US Open Draw Look Like?
The 24-year-old will begin his US Open campaign against Czech player Vit Kopřiva in what should be a manageable first-round matchup. However, the path gets trickier quickly. In the second round, Sinner could face a stern challenge from Alexei Popyrin, who upset Djokovic at this same tournament last year and knows how to play spoiler.
The real tests await deeper in the draw. A quarterfinal clash with 2024 semifinalist Jack Draper looms as a potential trap match, especially given Draper’s comfort level at this venue. If Sinner navigates that challenge, Zverev likely waits in the semifinals, setting up a grueling battle for a spot in the final.
Meanwhile, the 24-time Major champion faces challenges after being sidelined since his Wimbledon semifinal exit and missing the entire US Open build-up. The Serbian finds himself in the same quarter as home favorite Taylor Fritz and in the same half as Alcaraz, meaning the draw could sort itself out unexpectedly.
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz Sends Heartfelt Message to Jannik Sinner After Cincinnati Open Final Gets Cut Short
With such a star-studded field assembled at Flushing Meadows, the season’s final Major promises high drama and excitement. The question isn’t whether we’ll see surprises, but how many upsets will shake up the tournament before we crown a champion.
