Spanish star defeats Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to claim second US Open crown and top ranking

Carlos Alcaraz produced a dazzling display of power and variety to defeat Jannik Sinner in four sets and lift his second US Open title, sealing his return to world No 1 in the process.

The 22-year-old Spaniard prevailed 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at Flushing Meadows on Sunday evening, ending Sinner’s reign as champion and underlining his dominance in what has become tennis’s most compelling modern rivalry.

For much of the contest, Alcaraz looked unstoppable. His serving was razor-sharp, his forehand struck with punishing accuracy, and his all-court variety kept Sinner guessing. Low slices, delicate drop shots and bold net play left his opponent scrambling for rhythm.

The match was historic even before the first ball was struck, marking the third major final between Alcaraz and Sinner this season – a first in the Open era. Alcaraz now leads their 2025 head-to-head finals by two to one and holds a commanding 10–5 record overall.

In the opening set, Alcaraz set the tone with flawless aggression, racing to a 6-2 lead. Sinner responded in the second, capitalising on a dip in Alcaraz’s consistency to break serve and level the match. For a moment, echoes of Wimbledon resurfaced, where Sinner had stormed back from a set down to beat Alcaraz in the final.

But this time, there was no collapse. Alcaraz swiftly regained control, reasserting his dominance with a blistering third set that he claimed 6-1. By the fourth, he was dictating play, though Sinner fought with grit, winning thrilling exchange points that showcased the quality of their rivalry. Alcaraz, however, had too much firepower. A decisive break sealed the contest, earning him a sixth career Grand Slam and his second in New York.

The victory cements Alcaraz’s status among the sport’s greatest young champions. He is now the second-youngest man in the Open era to win six majors, behind only Björn Borg, and the fourth to capture multiple titles on all three surfaces.

The day was not without controversy. The presence of US president Donald Trump overshadowed the build-up, with heightened security delaying the start of the final by 30 minutes and long queues leaving fans stranded outside Arthur Ashe Stadium well into the second set. Trump’s appearance on the big screen was met with loud boos from much of the crowd.

Despite the disruption, Alcaraz thrived under the spotlight. “Every match against Jannik pushes me to my limits,” he said afterwards. “But today everything flowed. To win here again and be No 1 means the world to me.”

Sinner, 24, paid tribute to his rival while reflecting on his own disappointment. “Carlos was just better today. I fought until the end but he deserved it,” he admitted.

With his victory, Alcaraz ends the summer as the sport’s dominant force, completing a remarkable run that has redefined expectations of his generation. Still only 22, he has already achieved milestones most players spend careers chasing – and, judging by his words and his tennis, he is far from finished