NEW YORK — In a highly anticipated final delayed by the presence of President Donald Trump, Carlos Alcaraz defeated rival Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to win the US Open. Alcaraz’s 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory secured his second US Open crown and a sixth Grand Slam title, while also avenging his only defeat in a major final to Sinner at Wimbledon in July. The win also saw Alcaraz reclaim the world No. 1 ranking, ending the Italian’s 27-match winning streak at hard-court Grand Slams.
A Battle for Supremacy
The final was the latest chapter in a defining rivalry, with Alcaraz now holding a 10-5 overall record against Sinner after winning seven of their last eight meetings. The two young stars have asserted their dominance in the sport by sharing the last eight Grand Slam titles, each winning four.
In his post-match presentation, Alcaraz said that reclaiming the No. 1 ranking was “one of the first goals that I had.”
Despite his best efforts, Sinner was unable to counter Alcaraz’s performance. “I tried my best today. I couldn’t do more,” Sinner said in his post-match presentation. “I felt like he was doing everything slightly better today… He played better than me today.”
The Match Unfolds
The final’s start was delayed by 30 minutes due to heightened security measures for President Trump’s attendance. Even then, the stadium was only three-quarters full as Alcaraz began the match by breaking Sinner in the opening game. The Spaniard was in command early, mirroring his fast start in the Wimbledon final, and quickly took the first set. Sinner, however, rallied in the second set, evening the contest as hundreds of spectators were still trying to get into the venue.
Alcaraz regained control in the third set, storming to a lead with an early break and never looking back. He carried that momentum into the fourth set, securing the decisive break to win the match and become only the fourth man in history to win multiple majors on hard courts, grass, and clay.
A Star-Studded Event
The final attracted a constellation of stars, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. President Trump’s presence created a buzz, with the crowd greeting him with a mix of cheers and boos. He was also on hand for the playing of the national anthem. Other prominent figures in attendance included rock star Bruce Springsteen, fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger, actor Michael Douglas, and basketball superstar Stephen Curry.
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