Alex Neil’s side took the lead in the 12th minute when Lynden Gooch’s cross was headed home by Jack Clarke.
Coventry saw more of the ball and were able to draw level six minutes from time when striker Viktor Gyokeres fired the ball home from the edge of the box.
Sunderland will now prepare for next weekend’s trip to Bristol City.
Our chief SAFC writer Phil Smith has dished out:
. MS_SUN_v_COV_31-07-2022_MS__.jpg.090.jpg
Alex Pritchard playing for Sunderland against Coventry. Photo: Frank Reid
. Anthony Patterson - 7
Nothing he could do about a quite brilliant strike from Gyokeres. Made one stunning stop from Panzo in the first half and commanded his box very well. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
. Lynden Gooch - 8
Is determined to prove he is Championship quality and this was a great start. Vindicated his manager’s faith with a brilliant early assist, and was barely beaten in a tenacious defensive display. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
. Daniel Ballard - 7
A very solid full league debut. Wasn’t afraid to get close to the Coventry strikers and won a lot of duels. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
1. Anthony Patterson - 7
Made his first real big contributions of the season, saving well from Simms and Wright. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
2. Trai Hume - 7
Another steady performance in the main, and looks to be getting back to last season’s levels. Looked after the ball well and though Palmer caused him one or two problems, was solid enough. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Dan Ballard - 9
An absolute colossus at the back. Headed out set play after set play, with Coventry’s numerous long throws coming to nothing. Barely missed a pass, either. Hugely impressive. 9 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Luke O’Nien - 8
Took an early yellow when a striker ran off him but after that he was, like Ballard, almost flawless. Had to put the defensive side first and did it well. 8 Photo: Frank Reid