Sinner Begins Title Defence While Swiatek and Gauff Launch Campaigns at the US Open

World number one Jannik Sinner returns to the US Open as the defending champion and a dominant force on the tour. With three Grand Slam titles in the last four majors, Sinner’s recent consistency places him among the elite of the modern game . He opens his title defence against unseeded Czech player Vit Kopriva at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the site of last year’s triumph.

However, his preparations have not been smooth–the Italian was forced to retire early in the Cincinnati Open final while trailing Carlos Alcaraz due to illness. Though still not fully recovered, Sinner has declared himself fit enough to compete, and his coach remains confident in his readiness. Heading into this season’s final Grand Slam, his motivation is stronger than ever as he seeks to become the first man since Roger Federer (2008) to secure back-to-back US Open titles.

Swiatek Riding High After ‘Golden Summer’

Poland’s Iga Swiatek, world No. 2, steps into the US Open with tremendous confidence. After winning Wimbledon and capturing her first Cincinnati Open title without dropping a set, Swiatek enters the New York hard courts with momentum.

Though she’s long been dubbed the “Queen of Clay,” her recent hard-court performances reinforce her adaptability and make her a credible contender this fortnight. She faces Colombian debutant Emiliana Arango in her first-round match—an opportunity to build even more rhythm moving deeper into the draw. Swiatek’s belief in her progression this season is evident, and while she stops short of naming a favourite, many already view her as a serious threat to the women’s title.

Gauff Determined to Return to the Top

On the other side of the draw, former champion Coco Gauff is looking to again challenge for glory. Despite suffering from serving woes—leading the WTA in double faults this season and enduring a tough Cincinnati campaign—Gauff remains focused on reinvention.

Following her recent split from coach Matthew Daly, the American has brought in Gavin MacMillan, noted for his work with Aryna Sabalenka, in hopes of stabilizing her serve and reigniting her form. She begins her US Open quest against Ajla Tomljanovic in a high-profile night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium—an opportunity to recapture the form that led to her 2023 title.

Broader Context and Anticipated Showdowns

The stage is set for a compelling tournament. In the men’s draw, the “Sincaraz” rivalry—Jannik Sinner versus Carlos Alcaraz—remains a focal narrative, with both players having dominated Grand Slam tournaments throughout the year. Sinner’s health and form will be pivotal in determining whether he can withstand pressure and navigate a challenging field, including contenders like Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev.

On the women’s side, while Swiatek and Gauff headline the action, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is also seen as a formidable presence aiming to shift the balance in her favor. The women’s draw promises unpredictability, with multiple Grand Slam champions capable of ending the tournament with the trophy.

In sum, Day 3 at the US Open promises drama across both draws. Jannik Sinner aims to kick-start his title defence despite lingering health doubts. Iga Swiatek, energized by recent successes, looks to push for her seventh major. Coco Gauff seeks to regain her best form under a new coaching direction. All are primed for high-stakes tennis at Flushing Meadows.

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