World number one Jannik Sinner enters the 2025 US Open with both pressure and determination on his shoulders. Just days ago, he was forced to retire from the Cincinnati final against Carlos Alcaraz after being struck down by a virus, raising concerns about his fitness for the final Grand Slam of the year. His coach Darren Cahill reassured fans that the illness was only temporary and confirmed that Sinner is expected to recover in time to defend his New York crown.
In the build up to the tournament, Sinner also revealed a deeply personal story that shows just how far he has come. Speaking candidly, the Italian star shared that he once promised his parents he would quit tennis altogether if he failed to break into the top 200 by the age of 23 or 24. At the time, financial struggles made the future uncertain, and Sinner believed it was only fair to walk away if he could not prove his potential on the world stage. That promise, however, is now a symbol of how he turned doubt into determination. Not only did he reach the top 200 well before the deadline, he now stands as the reigning US Open champion and the world’s top ranked player.
The US Open will once again showcase the fiery rivalry between Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, a battle that has defined men’s tennis this season. Their duels have been compared to the great rivalries of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, and fans are eager to see if Sinner’s health will allow him to bring his best against the Spaniard.
For Sinner, this tournament is about more than defending a title. It is about proving his resilience, honoring the promise that shaped his career, and showing that even moments of illness or setback cannot slow down his rise. Whether he lifts the trophy again or not, his journey has already become one of the most inspiring in modern tennis.
