Jannik Sinner allayed recent health concerns as he launched the defence of his US Open title Tuesday with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 win over Czech world number 89 Vit Kopriva. Top-ranked Sinner needed just an hour and 38 minutes to dispatch the 28-year-old Kopriva, who was appearing in the main draw at Flushing Meadows for the first time. 

Sinner`s preparations for the tournament suffered a setback last week when illness forced him to retire against Carlos Alcaraz in the first set of the Cincinnati Open final. But in a dispiriting blow to his rivals the 24-year-old appeared to be fully recovered as he dismantled Kopriva in a clinical display featuring seven breaks of his opponent`s serve. "I feel in a good shape physically. Has been some good practice days, especially last couple," said Sinner. 

"I`m very happy that I`m healthy again," he added. "We did our best to be in the best possible shape here. I`m very happy about today`s performance." The Italian is trying to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004-2008. It is the longest run without a successful men`s title defence of any Grand Slam tournament in the Open era.