Carlos Alcaraz won his second US Open and sixth Grand Slam title on Sunday, defeating Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
The 22-year-old Spaniard avenged his Wimbledon loss, ending Sinner’s 27-match hard-court streak and reclaiming the world No.1 ranking for the first time since September 2023.
Alcaraz became the fourth man to win multiple majors on clay, grass, and hard courts, cementing his reputation as one of the most complete players in tennis. His relentless baseline play and daring shot-making left Sinner struggling to keep pace.
Sinner, 24, admitted Alcaraz was too strong. “I tried my best today, but I couldn’t do more,” he said after failing to defend his title. No man has retained the US Open crown since Roger Federer’s five straight wins from 2004 to 2008.
The match also drew global attention due to former US President Donald Trump’s presence, which delayed the start by 30 minutes because of heightened security. Trump received mixed reactions from the Arthur Ashe crowd of 23,000.
Celebrities like Tommy Hilfiger, Stephen Curry, Bruce Springsteen, and Michael Douglas added to the star-studded final.
Despite Sinner’s second-set fightback, Alcaraz’s explosive returns and dominant rallies secured victory. Lifting his arms in triumph, the Spaniard celebrated as the crowd erupted.
His win adds fuel to what many now call tennis’ “new rivalry” with Sinner, marking their third consecutive Grand Slam final.
At just 22, Alcaraz’s sixth major title sparks growing debate on the future of men’s tennis beyond the Djokovic-Nadal era.
