Italian star concedes he must change approach after latest Grand Slam setback

Jannik Sinner has admitted he must “rip up” aspects of his game and embrace new tactical approaches if he is to close the gap on Carlos Alcaraz, after falling to the Spaniard in the US Open final.

The world No 2 was beaten 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at Flushing Meadows on Sunday, in their third Grand Slam final of 2025. Alcaraz, 22, claimed his sixth major title and reclaimed the world No 1 ranking, further underlining his dominance in a rivalry many see as tennis’s new centrepiece.

For Sinner, it was a painful reminder of the gulf that still exists when Alcaraz is at full throttle. The Italian has now lost seven of their past eight encounters and trails 10–5 overall in their head-to-head.

Speaking after the match, Sinner conceded that merely refining his current strengths – heavy groundstrokes and relentless baseline play – would not be enough. Instead, he is prepared to sacrifice short-term consistency to evolve.

“I need to be brave enough to make changes,” he said. “Maybe that means losing more matches for a while, but in the long term I want to be in a position where I can beat Carlos regularly. He has such variety, he forces you to think differently. I have to adapt.”

The 24-year-old believes introducing more variety in his own game is essential. “I know I can hit hard from the back, but I must add other layers – more slice, more net play, more unpredictability. Otherwise, he will always have the upper hand,” Sinner admitted.

Alcaraz, who outmanoeuvred Sinner with a dazzling mix of drop shots, volleys and heavy topspin, praised his rival’s honesty. “Jannik is already an amazing player and he pushes me a lot,” said the champion. “If he changes things, it will only make our matches even tougher. That’s what this rivalry is about.”

The pair have already contested three finals this season – at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open – the first time in the Open era that the same men have met in three major finals in a single year. Alcaraz won two of them, cementing his place as the sport’s leading force, while Sinner is left searching for solutions.

Former world No 1 Mats Wilander suggested Sinner’s willingness to evolve is a positive sign: “Too many players try to beat great champions at their own game. Jannik knows he has to step outside his comfort zone, and that could define his career.”

Despite the disappointment, Sinner emphasised that he sees the rivalry as a motivating factor rather than a burden. “Carlos makes me better,” he said. “I don’t enjoy losing, but if it forces me to improve, then it will be worth it.”

The Italian now faces a critical off-season. His coach, Darren Cahill, is expected to play a key role in reshaping his tactical toolkit. Areas under review include his serve placement, use of the forehand slice, and willingness to approach the net more frequently – elements Alcaraz exploited during their final.

With the ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup still to come this year, Sinner insists he will not shy away from testing new strategies in high-stakes matches. “It’s about the bigger picture,” he said. “I want to win Slams, I want to be world No 1. If that means taking risks now, I’ll do it.”

As the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner continues to ignite the sport, the Italian’s determination to reinvent himself ensures their duels will remain among the most compelling spectacles in tennis