(No. 2) Carlos Alcaraz def. (No. 1) Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4
Carlos Alcaraz is once again the US Open champion and the world’s top-ranked player. The 22-year-old Spaniard defeated Jannik Sinner in two hours and 42 minutes on Sunday to win his second title at Flushing Meadows, his sixth career Grand Slam crown, and reclaim the No. 1 spot in the ATP Rankings. The victory ends Sinner’s 65-week reign as world No. 1.
The championship match marked the third consecutive Grand Slam final between Alcaraz and Sinner, the first time in the Open Era that two players have contested three straight major finals in a single season. Alcaraz once again rose to the occasion, showcasing his explosive forehand, improved serve, and trademark athleticism. With the win, he extended his head-to-head lead over the Italian to 10–5.
Alcaraz dominated statistically, producing 42 winners to Sinner’s 21 and striking 10 aces without committing a double fault. He broke Sinner five times while facing just one break himself. In total, Alcaraz won 98 of 101 service games across the tournament, becoming only the second man since 1991 to drop three or fewer service games en route to a Grand Slam title. Pete Sampras accomplished the feat twice at Wimbledon.
Although Sinner rallied in the second set, finding consistency from the baseline to momentarily seize momentum, Alcaraz controlled the extended rallies for most of the match. He frequently pushed Sinner out of position, converting five of his 11 break-point opportunities and neutralizing the Italian’s trademark power with precision and variety.
The win denied Sinner a chance to defend his US Open crown and reestablished Alcaraz’s place atop men’s tennis. Between them, the pair has now claimed the last eight Grand Slam titles, four each since the start of 2024. Although the margin between them remains slim — just 760 ranking points — the rest of the field lags nearly 5,000 points behind.
Alcaraz now leads the ATP Tour in both match wins, with 61, and titles, with seven, this season, cementing his status as the best player in men’s tennis alongside Sinner.
