Carlos Alcaraz is the US Open champ, the top player in the world and only getting better
Carlos Alcaraz is now a two-time US Open champion, a six-time grand slam champion, and the new world No. 1. What his title run here in New York proved is that he’s only getting better too.
It’s the second time Alcaraz has won this tournament, repeating the feat that he first achieved in 2022. He defeated Italian Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in two hours and 42 minutes.
With the win, he replaced Sinner as the top player in the men’s world rankings.
The caliber of shot-making on display throughout the day was sublime and both men hit top gear on multiple occasions, although maybe not simultaneously as we would have liked.
Ultimately, it was Alcaraz who carried the initiative through much of the match. Only in the second set, when Sinner decided to just hit massive shots to the open sides of the court, did Alcaraz ever look on the defensive. It was clear that confidence was flowing through the Spaniard from the beginning of the match.
The set he dropped to Sinner was the only set he lost in the whole tournament, but he proved once again that he is becoming one of the most well-rounded players in the world.
The Spaniard only turned 22 in May, meaning that – since the US Open switched to a hard court in 1978 – he is now the first player to win multiple grand slam titles on all three surfaces before his 23rd birthday.
His sixth grand slam win means that only Björn Borg, with seven, has managed more ahead of turning 23. With the Australian Open to come in January, you would not bet against Alcaraz equaling the Swede’s record.
The Spaniard is already such a complete player and that was on full display today. His serve was unstoppable at times, he hit 42 winners to Sinner’s 21, he covered more ground than the Italian and he made no double faults.
He put 61% of his first serves in play, winning an extraordinary 83% of those points – a testament to his speed and power that simply had Sinner off kilter for much of the match. The third set, in which Alcaraz rolled 6-1, was a shocking level of dominance over a player of Sinner’s caliber.
There was no role in the trophy presentation for President Donald Trump, who was in attendance for the entirety of the match. Unlike at the Club World Cup final in July, the president watched the trophy presentation from his box, standing along with the tens of thousands of fans in attendance.
That’s a wrap of our live coverage of the US Open from Queens, thank you for following along and reading!
Tumbling records show just how complete a player Alcaraz is
Having been one of the dominant forces in men’s tennis for at least the last two years, it is occasionally forgotten just how young Carlos Alcaraz is.
The Spaniard only turned 22 in May, meaning that – since the US Open switched to a hard court in 1978 – he is now the first player to win multiple grand slam titles on all three surfaces before his 23rd birthday.
His sixth grand slam win means that only Björn Borg, with seven, has managed more ahead of turning 23. With the Australian Open to come in January, you would not bet against Alcaraz equaling the Swede’s record.
The Spaniard is already such a complete player and that was on full display today. His serve was unstoppable at times, he hit 42 winners to Sinner’s 21, he covered more ground than the Italian and he made no double faults.
Add to that the fact he did all of it on the biggest stage and it’s easy to get very excited about Alcaraz’s future.
Alcaraz's excellent serve adds to his already incredible repertoire
It was somewhat fitting that the shot that won Carlos Alcaraz his second US Open was an ace.
The Spaniard’s serve has arguably been the story of his US Open this year, and the one break of serve that Jannik Sinner managed today was just the third time Alcaraz failed to hold across the entire tournament.
Alcaraz was asked about the improvements to his service game after a dominant display against Novak Djokovic in the semifinal, and his response was emphatic: “This is the best level or the best feeling that I have so far in a tennis tournament.”
But this final may well be remembered as the match when the 22-year-old found another ounce of power on his serve, confirming his status as one of the best servers in the game.
He won 83% of his first serve points today, compared to Sinner’s 69%. His second serve was also significantly better than the Italian’s – 57% versus 48%.
The Spaniard also managed 10 aces to Sinner’s two and, perhaps most remarkably of all, did not double fault even once.
All of that against a player who is considered to have one of the best returns of serve in all of men’s tennis.
Alcaraz to Sinner: "I'm seeing you more than my family!"
Facing off against Jannik Sinner five times in a single year is a decent sign that you’re doing something right, but you expect Carlos Alcaraz wouldn’t mind a bit of a break from his encounters with the Italian.
“I’m seeing you more than my family, Jesus!” the Spaniard joked in his on-court interview. “It’s great to share the court, to share the locker rooms, to share everything with you. Watching you improve every day.”
His matches against Sinner have undoubtedly made the 22-year-old a better player, but time with his coaches has clearly been crucial too.
“I’m really lucky to have you guys, to be honest. The hard work you’re making just to make me even better, not only in the professional part, but the personal part as well. I’m just really proud about the people I have around,” he said. “Every achievement that I’m having is thanks to you.”
Having claimed a second US Open title, Alcaraz is clearly very comfortable in New York.
“Everyone who made this possible, this tournament, is super special for me. Everything you’re doing, everything just to make us feel at home. You made it incredible,” he said.
“I just feel at home, feel the energy, feel the love and (I’m) just trying to play my best for you guys.”
"I tried my best today," says Jannik Sinner
After witnessing such an incredible performance from Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner seemed almost at peace in his post match interview.
“I tried my best today, I couldn’t do more,” he said, after congratulating his opponent and acknowledging all the “hard work behind this performance today where you were better than me.”
Sinner went on to thank his team, family and friends for “supporting me, for understanding me working hard.”
“We all know how much dedication we put in to be here on this stage,” he said. “It has been an incredible season. A lot of big stages and matches we played throughout the season and I’m super, super happy to share this moment with you.”
Alcaraz poses with the trophy as Sinner heads off to the locker room
It took forever to get them in here, but the crowd is now leaving quickly after the trophy presentation concludes.
Jannik Sinner signed a few autographs as he left the court, seemingly upbeat despite the defeat.
For Alcaraz, it’s photo time. He’s posing with the ball crew, both those who worked this final match and all the members of the ball crew in attendance from throughout the tournament. He’s holding the US Open trophy lovingly.
No sign of the $5 million check he got from tournament sponsors J.P. Morgan. I imagine that’s being held in a safe space nearby.
A final to remember in a rivalry we'll be reminded of often
That was truly special. If this is the tennis rivalry that we’re all going to be watching in these big matches for the next few years, I don’t think we’re going to get bored.
The caliber of shot-making on display was sublime and both men hit top gear on multiple occasions, although maybe not simultaneously as we would have liked.
Ultimately, it was Carlos Alcaraz who carried the initiative through much of the match. Only in the second set, when Jannik Sinner decided to just hit massive shots to the open sides of the court, did Alcaraz ever look on the defensive. It was clear that confidence was flowing through the Spaniard from the beginning of the match.
He put 61% of his first serves in play, winning an extraordinary 83% of those points – a testament to his speed and power that simply had Sinner off kilter for much of the match. The third set, in which Alcaraz rolled 6-1, was a shocking level of dominance over a player of Sinner’s caliber.
No role in the trophy presentation for Trump at the US Open
No role for President Donald Trump in today’s trophy ceremony, it seems.
At the Club World Cup earlier this summer, Trump went to the stage to help award the trophy to Chelsea FC after they won the final. He made headlines by not getting out of the team’s celebration, much to the confusion of some of the Chelsea players.
He’s watching the trophy presentation from his box today, standing along with the tens of thousands of fans in attendance.
Carlos Alcaraz wins his second US Open title, defeating Jannik Sinner in four sets
Carlos Alcaraz has done it! He wins the men’s US Open final by defeating Jannik Sinner, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
It’s the second time Alcaraz has won this tournament, repeating the feat that he first achieved in 2022. It’s the sixth major championship for the 22-year-old.
With this win, he’ll replace Sinner as the top player in the men’s world rankings.
The noise in Arthur Ashe was deafening as the final game got started, the crowd urging Alcaraz on to the title. They exploded with each winner and oohed with each of the Spaniard’s big serves.
There was still love for Sinner though, as the Italian refused to go quietly and fought for each point. He pushed Alcaraz to deuce after fending off two straight championship points.
But an overhand smash winner from Alcaraz put him on the brink again and the third time was the charm. An ace fired past Sinner won the title.
Sinner holds serve and denies Alcaraz for the time being
Jannik Sinner holds serve again to make it 5-4 in favor of Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth set and the noise is building as the Spaniard can serve for the title now.
Let’s see if Sinner can take any inspiration from American Amanda Anisimova, who played her best tennis with her back against the wall in yesterday’s women’s final.
Alcaraz is on the brink now after blasting through Sinner
Simple stuff there: Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t drop a point and goes up 5-3 here in the fourth set.
He’s just one game away from winning the title!
Sinner holds serve easily to make it 4-3 Alcaraz in the fourth set
A rare, crisp service game there from Jannik Sinner as he holds serve to make it 4-3 in favor of Alcaraz here in the fourth set.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz only pulled one point back in that game, but it’s on the serve where he’s really dominated recently even though he’s not had a ton of success at getting his first serve in bounds.
He’s got a chance to put himself on the brink of a title now.
Alcaraz goes up 4-2 and he's eyeing his second US Open title
Carlos Alcaraz can sense it.
He takes a 4-2 lead in the set, ensuring he only needs to hold serve the rest of the way to win his second US Open title and claim another major win over rival Jannik Sinner.
Two 132-mph aces in that game are proof of how much adrenaline is going through the Spaniard’s veins at the moment.
We are closing in on a championship here in Queens.
Alcaraz gets a key break to take the lead in the fourth set
Relatively simple holds from both men keeps the fourth set even, now at 2-2.
There has to be a moment in this set when one of these men gets the key break to take control, and as it continues there are no clues as to who it will be. Neither competitor looks all that likely to falter at the moment.
Another stupendous point from both men as Sinner works Alcaraz from side to side before the Spaniard manages to force Sinner into an error by changing the speed on a volley close to the net.
That first key moment falls to Alcaraz, who has a break point on Sinner. The Italian fails to get his first serve in and then sends a forehand long and now Alcaraz is in control of this fourth set!
It’s 3-2 with the Spaniard about to serve, looking to consolidate his break and take a two-game lead.
Alcaraz and Sinner putting on a show in the fourth set
Oh it’s just magic! Just magic!
The crowd is on its feet here as both men are pulling out shot after magnificent shot. A deft backhand from Alcaraz dies in the front court on Sinner’s side of the net, which brings the Italian charging. He sends it over and Alcaraz tries to lob him, but the 6-foot-3 Sinner is able to smash an overhead volley back at the Spaniard.
Alcaraz takes that shot and whacks it down the baseline for a winner to even up the fourth set and New York is in disbelief. It’s the kind of goosebump inducing stuff that we expected from this match and these men are delivering.
Sinner gets a hard-fought win in the first game of the fourth set
If we can take one thing away from this match so far, it’s that how the last set ends has no bearing on how the next set begins.
Jannik Sinner needs a great start in this fourth set to force a fifth and final set against Carlos Alcaraz, who bounced back from a lackluster second set by looking dominant in the third.
Alcaraz fights for every point in the opening game and pushes Sinner to a break point, which the Italian fights off with a wonderful shot that left Alcaraz doing the splits in an attempt to get to it. Sinner has a chance to win the game but Alcaraz finally pulls off the forehand slice he’s been trying to hit all game, putting the ball on a rope and leaving Sinner unable to do anything but slam it into the net.
Alcaraz gets another break point and it ends up being an opportunity for both men to show off their incredible fitness. Sinner comes up to the net on the volley and places a perfect drop shot that Alcaraz actually manages to get to, but the Italian can smack it back cross court to fall for a winner.
As we cross the two-hour mark, it’s clear that we’re seeing both men at their best. They are battling over this first game as if it’s match point as we hit the fourth deuce. Finally it’s Alcaraz who blinks, sending a forehand long to give the first game of the fourth set to the Italian.
Carlos Alcaraz takes the third set 6-1 and moves closer to the US Open title
Jannik Sinner gets on the board in the third set with a dominant service game, making it 5-1. But Carlos Alcaraz was not going to be denied long.
An ace to make it 0-15 was a signal of intent as the Spaniard’s next big serve sent Sinner sprawling to get a racket on it, the ball flying harmlessly long. Sinner pulls a point back, but the Spanish star quickly gets things to set point.
He converts on another ace and takes the third set, 6-1.
Alcaraz is just a set away from his second US Open title now!
Alcaraz breaks Sinner again and holds serve to go up 5-0 in the third set
Dios mío, Carlos Alcaraz.
After looking out of sorts against Jannik Sinner in the second set, dropping his first set of the tournament, the Spanish sensation came absolutely storming out of the gates in the third.
He breaks Sinner’s serve again and goes up 4-0. It felt like there was a chance that Sinner was about to grab the match by the scruff of the neck after the second set, but Alcaraz clearly used that break between sets to his advantage.
He starts off his service game by dropping a point to Sinner before firing back-to-back aces. A forehand winner and a Sinner shot that lands wide and it’s 5-0 Alcaraz.
Hard to imagine anyone envisioned such a one-sided set like this coming from either player in this matchup of the game’s heavyweights.
Some tennis magic from Alcaraz as he takes a 3-0 third set lead
Carlos Alcaraz has been playing golf with Sergio García on his days off here at the US Open and it’s possible the Spanish golf star may have taught him some techniques on how to draw a shot.
Jannik Sinner manages to get to a smash by the Spaniard, who waits for the ball to drop before smashing an overhand that curves from right to left before landing in the far corner of the court, flying by the Italian.
Alcaraz fights off some impressive Sinner drop shots to knock home a winner and it’s 3-0 in favor of the Spaniard, who soaks in the amazed screams from the New York crowd and puts his finger to his ear – telling them to give him more.
Some unbelievable stuff happening here at Arthur Ashe Stadium as it’s now Carlos Alcaraz who is punching back in a heavyweight fight.
Carlos Alcaraz breaks Sinner's serve and leads the third set 2-0
A positive start to the third set from Carlos Alcaraz, who starts this set in the same place that Jannik Sinner started the second – needing a vibe shift.
He pumps a fist and looks over to his box in celebration after taking the opening game of the third set and is starting to show signs that he’s feeling confident again as he awaits Sinner’s serves.
It’s clear how much this match means to both men. Every point is greeted with a celebration in some way and an intense stare at their respective boxes.
Alcaraz works his way into a break point and has a chance to take a big step toward the US Open title – and he gets it when Sinner blasts a forehand wide, making it 2-0 Alcaraz here in the third set.
