Jannik Sinner vs Alexei Popyrin Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Popyrin to make Sinner work for third round spot

Sinner dropped just four games in his opening round in another ruthless early slam performance, well and truly shaking off the illness that forced him to retire in the Cincinnati Masters final. The Italian is aiming to become the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to successfully defend the US Open title and he's the deserved odds on favourite to do so. However, this could prove to be a tough second round.

Popyrin is one of maybe a handful of unseeded players capable of doing damage to Sinner. The Aussie has won seven of his last 10 matches against top 10 players, demonstrating his ability to beat almost anyone on his day. Popyrin also defeated Sinner in their only previous meeting - although it was back in 2021 when the Italian wasn't the player he is today. Nevertheless, Popyrin has nothing to lose and that makes him dangerous - he stunned Novak Djokovic on this court last year and he has the weapons and serve to make an impact. An upset might be a step too far, but I'm backing Popyrin to take a set at decent odds.

Popyrin leads 1-0, winning their Madrid R32 clash in 2021 by a 7-6 6-2 score.

Sinner comes into this contest with a 32-4 record on the season and remaining World No. 1 despite missing three months of the year due to suspension.

The Italian has won the last three hardcourt major titles and is aiming to reach the final of every Grand Slam in 2025 after defending his Australian Open title and winning his maiden Wimbledon crown, along with finishing runner-up to rival Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros.

Sinner must make the third round in New York to have a chance of holding onto his No. 1 ranking, with Alcaraz needing to match or improve Sinner's result at this US Open to surpass him.

After retiring with illness in the Cincinnati final, Sinner pulled of the mixed doubles and was fresh for his opening round singles clash, easing past Vit Kopriva for the loss of just four games, 6-1, 6-1, 6-2.

Popyrin, rather incredibly, still has a negative 17-18 match record for the season, dropping to No. 36 in the world.

However, there's been glimpses of his best form - Popyrin made the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals and the fourth round of Roland Garros, along with reaching the last eight of his Canada Masters title defence, beating the likes of Holger Rune and Daniil Medvedev.

It's taken Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev to beat Popyrin in his last two tournaments and now the Aussie runs into another top player at the US Open.

Popyrin took out Novak Djokovic on his way to the R16 in New York last season and earned himself another chance at securing a huge scalp by beating Emil Ruusuvuori 6-3 6-4 7-6.