Carlos Alcaraz reclaimed the US Open title and wrestled back the world No. 1 ranking from Jannik Sinner with a commanding 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory on Saturday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, adding another compelling chapter to tennis’s premier young rivalry.
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The 22-year-old Spaniard’s triumph marks his sixth Grand Slam title, making him the second youngest man behind Bjorn Borg to reach this milestone, while ensuring an even split of the 2025 major championships between himself and Italy’s Sinner.
The men’s final, delayed by 30 minutes due to extra security measures for President Donald Trump’s attendance, showcased Alcaraz’s superior serving ability—the weapon that proved decisive in his quest to regain the title he first captured in 2022.
Trump’s Presence Delays Championship
The championship match faced an unusual disruption as Trump’s return to Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2015 necessitated enhanced security protocols. Airport-style scanners were installed outside Arthur Ashe Stadium, creating massive queues for spectators and pushing back the scheduled start time.
Both players adapted to the delay with characteristic professionalism, continuing their warm-up routines in the stadium’s lower levels. Alcaraz performed trunk rotation exercises on a gym mat while Sinner kicked around a mini-football with his coaching team, neither appearing fazed by the inconvenience.
Once play commenced, it was Alcaraz who capitalised on the better start, quickly unsettling Sinner with explosive returns that overcame the Italian’s typically steady baseline game.
Dominant Display in Championship Sets
Alcaraz established early control by winning the opening set decisively, maintaining the strong serving that had seen him broken only twice throughout the tournament. The Spaniard served with pace and precision, limiting Sinner to just three receiving points in the first set.
True to form in their rivalry, Sinner responded with renewed intensity in the second set, unleashing his trademark ferocious groundstrokes and improving his return of serve to level the match with a decisive break in the fourth game.
However, like their Wimbledon final eight weeks earlier, the delicately balanced contest after two sets quickly turned one-sided. Alcaraz rediscovered his first serve and touch at the net in the third set, breaking early and cruising to a double-break advantage as his all-court artistry shone through.
Sinner’s Struggles Continue
The fourth set highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both players, with Sinner—who had battled an abdominal issue in his semifinal—continuing to make uncharacteristic errors. After losing serve for the fifth time in the match, the Italian never seriously threatened to break back as Alcaraz served out the victory.
“First of all, I would like to start with Carlos and the whole team. You are all doing amazing. Congratulations. I know a lot of hard work went into this performance today. Enjoy it – it is a great moment,” Sinner said after the defeat, which ended his 65-week reign as world No. 1.
“My team, thank you for supporting me, for understanding me, for working hard. We all know how much dedication we put in to get to this stage.
“A lot of big stages and matches throughout the season. I am super happy to share this moment with you. With all the people I love. I tried my best today – I couldn’t do more.
“I would like to thank Stacy Allaster, (retiring US Open tournament director) who makes this place very special, especially behind the scenes. It has been an incredible run. You always try to do your best for us. We will all be sad you won’t be here next year.
“To the ball kids, it has been a very long three weeks, with the qualifiers and everything. You are doing an amazing job.
“I can’t wait to come back next year. And last thing, you guys are amazing. You make this place so, so special. We are all very happy to stand here on the court. See you guys next year.”
The championship concluded fittingly as Alcaraz fired a 131mph ace out wide, showcasing the superior serving that dominated the fortnight. The Spaniard immediately broke into his familiar grin before celebrating with his trademark golf swing celebration.
Rivalry Reaches New Heights
After facing Sinner in their fifth final of the season, Alcaraz acknowledged the intensity of their rivalry with humour: “Every tournament you are playing, I am seeing you more than my family.
“It is great to share the court, locker room, everything, with you. Watching you improve every day and working hard with your team. Congratulations to everything you do and the great performances during the last two weeks.
“My team, my family – I am really lucky to have you guys. You make me even better. Not only professionally, but personally. Thank you very much. Every achievement I have is because of you. This one is no less. This one is also yours. It is great to receive the support from you.
“You do everything to make us feel at home. The three weeks I have spent here is such a privilege. It is great to be back. Thank you for the energy you are putting in every match and practice. I just feel the energy and the love. You make everything so much easier, so thank you all.
“I don’t want to leave without saying anything to Stacy (Allaster, retiring US Open tournament director). You made everything easier for us, ever since the first time we have come here. Thank you for the run you have had here, and everything you have done.
“From the bottom of my heart, I just want to say thank you, and see you soon.”
The victory ensures perfect parity in the 2025 Grand Slam season, with Alcaraz capturing the French Open and US Open while Sinner claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon. This balanced exchange of major titles has elevated their rivalry to transcend the sport itself.
While Saturday’s final may have lacked some of the drama and quality of their earlier French Open and Wimbledon encounters this year, it provided another engaging contest between two players who have established themselves as tennis’s dominant forces.
Championship Significance
Alcaraz’s reclaimed world No. 1 ranking is more than just a statistical achievement—it validates his return to peak form after experiencing the inconsistency that has occasionally marked his young career. His ability to maintain serving excellence throughout the tournament, an area that had previously cost him against Sinner at Wimbledon, demonstrated crucial development in his game.
For Sinner, the defeat represents a setback in what has otherwise been a breakthrough season, though his two Grand Slam titles and extended time at No. 1 confirm his status as Alcaraz’s primary rival for years to come.
Featured image: Charly Triballeau/AFP
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