Carlos Alcaraz defeats Jannik Sinner to win second title at Flushing Meadows while simultaneously achieving target of dethroning Italian as world’s top-ranked player; Spaniard now sets eyes on notching up a career Grand Slam by winning Australian Open in 2026
Carlos Alcaraz with the US Open winner’s trophy on Sunday. Pic/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to win the US Open and reassert his dominance of an era-defining rivalry while also displacing his opponent as the top-ranked tennis player in the world.
After a delayed start to the match due to the presence of US President Donald Trump which necessitated tighter security protocols, the 22-year-old Spaniard won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to capture his second US Open crown and sixth Grand Slam title, avenging his lone defeat in a major final by Sinner at Wimbledon in July.
‘Dream come true’
“It’s a great feeling. I was working really hard just to lift this trophy. It’s my second one [US Open title], but it’s still a dream come true. To recover the No. 1 ranking was one of my first goals when the season began. Doing it after winning a slam is even better, “ said Alcaraz, after ending Sinner’s 27-match winning run at hard court Grand Slams. The last time the Spaniard was ranked World No. 1 was in September 2023.
Sinner’s defeat at Flushing Meadows extends the longest drought without a successful men’s title defence of any Grand Slam in the Open era. No man has retained the US Open crown since Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004 to 2008.
The Italian was in a reflective mood following his loss, claiming he’ll have to alter his playing style if he is to keep pace with his rival.
“I was very predictable today. I’m going to maybe even [risk] losing some matches from now on, trying to be unpredictable, because I think that’s what I have to do to become a better tennis player,” he said.
Hungry for more
Meanwhile, Alcaraz is already relishing the prospect of playing the next Slam — the Australian Open in January — where he wants to complete a career Grand Slam (winning all four major titles).
“It [Australian Open] is the first or second tournament of the year, and it is always the main goal for me to complete a career Grand Slam,” said Alcaraz, who could break compatriot Rafael Nadal’s record of being the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam if he did so in 2026. Nadal achieved the feat in 2010, at the age of 24.
10/15
No. of times Carlos Alcaraz has beaten Jannik Sinner
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
