The Italian world No.1 had to withdraw from the final of his lone US Open tune-up event in Cincinnati on Monday, struggling with illness while trailing Carlos Alcaraz 5-0. It sparked questions about his condition ahead of the tournament.
But Sinner has since returned to practice and, talking on Friday, sounded optimistic about his recovery from a virus that he said he and some other players dealt with.
"Physically I feel good. You know, I have recovered mostly, not 100 per cent yet, but we are aiming to be there in a couple of days. So should be all fine for the tournament," Sinner told reporters at Flushing Meadows where the singles action starts on Sunday.
Sinner enters the US Open as top seed following a stellar season that has seen him increase his grand slam tally to four with wins at this year's Australian Open and Wimbledon.
He will be looking to defend the title he won last year, when he beat Taylor Fritz in straight sets.
The 24-year-old said he feels far more composed ahead of this year's US Open compared to the lead-up to the 2024 edition when news of him failing two drug tests cast a shadow over his preparations.
A tribunal accepted Sinner's explanation that the anabolic agent clostebol entered his system from a member of his support team through massages and sports therapy, and while he was cleared of wrongdoing, he said the scrutiny took a toll.
"Last year was a bit tough mentally, with everything happening off the court," said Sinner.Â
"This year, it feels different - calmer, I would say. I can focus more on my tennis and the goals I want to achieve."
Turning his attention to his rivalry with world No.2 Alcaraz, Sinner acknowledged the significance of their duels in shaping the future of the sport.
"To have rivalries, it's great... it's good for the sport, it's good for personal view because sometimes when you're tired in practice, you try to simulate certain things, because they can happen in the real match," said Sinner.
While Sinner and French Open champion Alcaraz have won the last seven major titles between them, the Italian cautioned against complacency and pointed to the strength of competition in the ATP Tour.
"At the moment, me and Carlos, we are sharing big trophies, but at the same time, things can change," said Sinner. "You never know. There are great, great players out there, and it's very difficult to get to the final.
"So let's see if this continues. But in the other way, I always say we have to improve, because players, they understand us now how we are. So let's see in the future."
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