Carlos Alcaraz has won the French Open and US Open titles this season, with Jannik Sinner taking the Australian Open and Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz triumphed in the latest chapter of his compelling rivalry with Jannik Sinner, securing a four-set victory to reclaim the US Open title.
Spain’s Alcaraz initiated a strong start and subsequently weathered a second-set resurgence from Italy’s Sinner before ultimately powering to a 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 victory in New York.
The men’s final faced a half-hour delay due to heightened security measures implemented in response to the presence of former US president Donald Trump.
Once underway, the pair delivered another engaging contest, though it lacked the heightened drama and exceptional quality seen in their earlier French Open and Wimbledon finals this year.
Alcaraz’s superior serving, an element that faltered against Sinner at Wimbledon, proved crucial in his reclaiming the US Open title, which he initially secured in 2022.
The 22-year-old now boasts six Grand Slam titles, positioning him as the second youngest male player, after Bjorn Borg, to achieve this milestone.
Alcaraz’s victory ensures an even distribution of the four major titles in 2025 between him and Sinner, who previously secured victories at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Following his fifth final encounter against Sinner this season, Alcaraz remarked, “I see you more than my family. It’s great to share the court with you.”
Alcaraz has also reclaimed the world number one ranking from Sinner, who held the position for 65 weeks.
Sinner, appearing less than his best for much of the match, fended off two championship points before Alcaraz recalibrated to capitalize on his third opportunity.
Concluding the match with a 131mph ace felt fitting, given Alcaraz’s dominant serving performance throughout the tournament. He then broke into his familiar grin and celebrated with his signature golf swing.
Trump security measures delay US Open final
US Open final: Build-up to Sinner v Alcaraz for title
Alcaraz and Sinner have cultivated a rivalry that transcends the sport; however, the final’s build-up was partly overshadowed by Trump’s return to Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2015.
Enhanced security protocols, including airport-style scanners outside Arthur Ashe Stadium, led to significant queues for fans and a subsequent delay to the match.
The players, accustomed to weather-related delays, continued their warm-up routines within the stadium’s confines, with Alcaraz engaging in trunk rotation exercises on a gym mat and Sinner kicking a mini-football with his team.
While neither player seemed overly affected by the delay, Alcaraz demonstrated a stronger start once play commenced.
Sinner began confidently but was swiftly challenged by Alcaraz’s explosive returns, and even Sinner’s ability to absorb pressure could not prevent the early break.
Alcaraz maintained a varied approach, keeping his opponent guessing and sustaining the strong serving that had seen him broken only twice en route to the final.
After establishing an advantage in the first set, Alcaraz was determined to maintain his lead, allowing Sinner to win only three receiving points.
However, Alcaraz’s performance appeared to dip more significantly than Sinner’s in the second set.
Alcaraz and Sinner have shared the past eight Grand Slam men’s singles titles between them
Sinner heightened the stakes, unleashing his trademark groundstrokes and pushing Alcaraz back with an improved return of serve, ultimately leveling the match after securing a decisive break in the fourth game.
The stage was set, and Ashe Stadium was now nearly full to witness the unfolding drama.
Similar to the Wimbledon final eight weeks prior, a delicately balanced match after two sets quickly became one-sided.
Alcaraz secured an early break in the third set by taking time away from Sinner, rediscovering his first serve and touch at the net, before cruising to a double break lead as his artistry shone through.
Sinner, who had been contending with an abdominal issue in his semi-final, continued to make uncharacteristic errors in the fourth set.
After losing serve for the fifth time in the match, he did not mount a serious threat to break back before Alcaraz served out victory.
“I tried my best today – I couldn’t do more,” Sinner said.
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