Carlos Alcaraz defeated his chief rival, Jannik Sinner, in a four-set thriller (6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4) on Sunday to win the US Open and reclaim his position as the world’s top-ranked men’s tennis player. The victory marks Alcaraz’s second US Open title and his sixth Grand Slam trophy overall.
In a match that was the third consecutive Grand Slam final between the two young stars this season, Alcaraz’s triumph was a perfect reflection of his 2022 win in New York, which first propelled him to the top of the rankings. With this latest victory, the 22-year-old Spaniard now leads their head-to-head rivalry 10-5.
“I want to start with Jannik, it’s unbelievable what you’re doing the whole season,†Alcaraz said in his on-court interview. “I’m seeing you more than my family.â€
The match, which took place under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, saw Alcaraz dominate the opening set with a series of spectacular shots and a display of his signature high-energy play. After a momentary lapse allowed Sinner to take the second set, Alcaraz regained control, storming to a 5-0 lead in the third and showcasing his creativity with an outrageous half-volley.
Sinner, who had a strong season and came into the final as the world No. 1, fought valiantly but could not withstand the relentless pressure. “I tried my best today. I couldn’t do more,†a dejected Sinner said after the match, while also acknowledging Alcaraz’s superior performance.
The US Open final solidified the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner as a defining force in men’s tennis, with the duo having now claimed eight consecutive major titles between them.
