Carlos Alcaraz has reclaimed his throne in New York, defeating Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to win the US Open title for the second time. In a rivalry that is fast defining modern tennis, the Spaniard’s victory not only secured his sixth Grand Slam but also restored his position as world number one.
The final was delayed half an hour due to tightened security, with Donald Trump’s presence inside Arthur Ashe Stadium creating long queues outside. Once play began, Alcaraz wasted no time stamping authority, ripping through the first set with his explosive returns and precision serving. Sinner, the defending champion, looked unsettled by both the occasion and the delay.
But the Italian, as he so often does, found a way back. In the second set, he dialled in his trademark groundstrokes, breaking early and levelling the contest. Fans braced for another five-set classic, recalling their Wimbledon and Roland-Garros epics earlier this year.
Alcaraz, however, had learned his lessons from London. He rediscovered his serve, dictated points with his ferocious forehand, and mixed in deft touches at the net. The third set was a showcase of his variety and aggression, as he cruised to a double-break lead and never looked back.
Sinner, who had battled stomach issues in the semi-final, could not maintain the intensity. Unforced errors crept in during the fourth, and Alcaraz seized the decisive break to move within touching distance. After squandering two match points, the 22-year-old sealed victory with an ace out wide before celebrating with his trademark golf swing.
“I see you more than my family,” Alcaraz joked to Sinner during the trophy ceremony. The Italian was gracious in defeat, admitting: “I tried my best today. I couldn’t do more.”
This was the sixth final between Alcaraz and Sinner this season, their third straight Grand Slam showdown, and the latest evidence that they have pulled away from the rest of men’s tennis. Between them, they have now claimed the last eight majors. Even Novak Djokovic, beaten by Alcaraz in the semi-finals, has become a supporting act in their duel.
The victory gave Alcaraz a 10-5 edge in their head-to-head and a 6-4 lead in Grand Slam titles. At 22, he is now the second-youngest man behind Bjorn Borg to win six majors. Sinner, meanwhile, has reached five straight Slam finals and remains Alcaraz’s only true equal.
Arthur Ashe buzzed with anticipation despite the delays, and though some of the quality fell short of their French Open thriller, the energy was undeniable. The crowd roared for Alcaraz’s athletic shot-making and fed off Sinner’s fist pumps as he clawed back into the match.
In the end, the moment belonged to Alcaraz. The champion of 2022 returned to lift the trophy once again, his smile reflecting both relief and supremacy. The rivalry is only beginning, but once more, the Spaniard stands on top.
