WHAT HAPPENED: A selection of top-drawer players have already fallen at the early hurdles, but imperious No. 6 seed Jannik Sinner emphatically dissolved any danger.
The 22-year-old met compatriot Lorenzo Sonego in a sun-kissed Louis Armstrong Stadium and soared into Round 3 with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 scoreline.
Sonego arrived on court with 21 match wins thus far this season, while Sinner strolled on with double at 42 victories this campaign. That gulf in form and success was truly exemplified over two hours, five minutes of play.
Sinner, affectionately known as "The Fox," compiled plenty of cunning points, bolstered with angles, delicate touches and catapulted serves. A sharp start was rewarded with a 3-1 lead.
The world No. 6, Masters 1000 champion in Toronto earlier this month, was getting better and better. He was lightning quick up to a Sonego drop shot to clip a delicious backhand cross court.
It was right place, right time. The Sinner point construction kept impressing, whilst Sonego kept pushing for an opening. Sinner would not waiver and posted a solid 6-4 opener.
World No. 39 Sonego upped the risk rating, but a netted volley offered up an instant chance and Sinner clinched the break lead.
The variety, the angles, Sinner was on song, whereas Sonego kept blinking first in the prolonged rallies.
A backhand pass at full stretch at 4-2 was the highlight as Sinner swiftly snatched away the second set.
Once again the Sinner striking was too accurate, too ferocious, chalking a 3-1 lead for the third set running. Every question posed, the world No. 6 had the answer.
WHAT IT MEANS: Sinner continues to mount his case as one of the favourites for a maiden Grand Slam.
The Italian is super consistent in major play, with a second week ticket at all four Grand Slams in 2022 as well as a Wimbledon semifinal spot last month.
A possible US Open quarterfinal re-match looms with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. The five-hour blockbuster, with a 2:50am finish, was one of the matches of the 2022 season.
There's plenty to overcome before then. Sinner will meet No. 30 seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry or 2016 champion Stan Wawrinka in the last 32.
In the past Sinner has become embroiled in dramatic and extended matches in earlier major rounds. So far so good in New York, breezing through all six sets in his two encounters.
A fresh fox, full of energy, is poised to spring into the second week. The belief in Grand Slams is brimming.
"It is a little bit different, I was close throughout the year to be close to winning one. I won a Masters event and the good thing was I lost quite early in Cincinnati," mused Sinner.
"So I’ve had time to recover the body, to be ready for this event. Physically I’m good, so let’s see what’s coming."
MATCH POINT: A key component which enabled the 22-year-old to remain unbeaten in 10 battles with fellow Italians was his imposing serving.
Coach Darren Cahill has guided Sinner to alter his stance, to simplify the movement and its working wonders.
Sinner won 89% of points from his first serve and 80% on second deliveries, as he cruelly offered up zero break opportunities to his countryman. It gave the world No. 6 quick points and let him thrive as the front-runner.
"We work a lot. I try to push myself a little bit forward. I feel my game has improved a little bit and I feel more comfortable at the net," continued Sinner, 21/24 up at net versus Sonego.
"This is a new thing of mine and hopefully I’ll show this more in the future."
