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Jannik Sinner Shares Crucial Update on the Hand Blister he Sustained During US Open First Round
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Jannik Sinner made easy work during his first-round win at the US Open. The Italian won 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 against Vit Kopriva to kick start his US Open campaign. However, there were some worrying signs during the match.

The Italian was seen calling the doctor to check upon a blister he sustained. However, Sinner claimed that it is a consequence of not playing for 2 to 3 days. Sinner said on UbiTennis:

There’s nothing to worry about, I just wanted to protect it a little. But my hand doesn’t hurt, I just have a small blister that often appears when I don’t play for two or three days, but that’s normal.

Sinner has had his fair share of medical battles in the past few months. At Wimbledon, he sustained an elbow injury that almost ended his Wimbledon campaign against Grigor Dimitrov. Then, he retired from the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz after catching virus during the build-up. Sinner could only play five games during that match.

Jannik Sinner’s US Open Opponent Gives Warning Signs

Alexei Popyrin has set up a second-round showdown with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the US Open and sent a clear message ahead of the clash. The Australian booked his place in the round of 64 after defeating Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 in straight sets. Popyrin said in his US Open press conference:

You’re playing one of the top guys in the sport and they’re the moments that I relish. They’re the moments where I come out and play some of my best tennis, and I’m hoping that I can do that again.

Sinner, the defending champion, also advanced comfortably. He dismantled Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 in his opening match. Their upcoming meeting will be just the second time the two face each other on the ATP Tour.

The first encounter came at the 2021 Madrid Open, where Popyrin stunned Sinner 7-6, 6-2. Since then, the Italian has transformed into one of the sport’s elite. He has already captured four Grand Slam titles, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon earlier this year. He also came close to adding Roland Garros to his collection.

Despite Sinner’s rise, Popyrin remains confident. Speaking after his win, he described Sinner as the best player in the world but insisted he will not be intimidated. The 26-year-old believes he has the mindset and tools to handle the pressure of facing a top opponent on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz lead the tour in another category

Tennis in 2025 is as much about earnings as it is about the action on court. Forbes reported that the sport’s top stars collected a combined $285 million over the past year. Sponsorships, endorsements, and record prize money have created a new wave of players who dominate financially as well as competitively.

Carlos Alcaraz leads the list, earning $48.3 million with $13.3 million from tournaments and $35 million from endorsements. Jannik Sinner follows closely with $47.3 million, including the year’s highest prize money total of $20.3 million. Coco Gauff ranks third overall and first among women, bringing in $37.2 million, making her the highest-paid female athlete in the world.

Veteran Novak Djokovic remains among the biggest earners at $29.6 million, most of it from endorsements. Aryna Sabalenka also features prominently with $27.4 million, reflecting the growing commercial appeal of women’s tennis. China’s Qinwen Zheng has surged into the spotlight, earning $26.1 million with major sponsorships after winning Olympic gold.

Iga Swiatek, fresh off a Wimbledon win, made $24 million, while Taylor Fritz leads American men with $15.6 million. Frances Tiafoe is close behind at $15.2 million thanks to strong sponsorships, and Daniil Medvedev completes the top ten at $14.3 million. The rankings highlight how both established names and rising stars are shaping tennis into one of the most profitable sports globally.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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