Carlos Alcaraz overwhelms Jannik Sinner to claim second US Open title in ball-striking masterclass in New York

React to this story

Carlos Alcaraz claimed his second US Open title and sixth career Grand Slam with a scintillating victory over Jannik Sinner in the final at Flushing Meadows on Sunday. In the third major final meeting between the world's top two this year, Alcaraz showcased a stunning level, making seemingly-impossible balls and applying relentless pressure to the world No. 1 in a dominant showcase.

'I deserved a Grand Slam this season' - Sabalenka cracks open champagne after US Open title defence

Video credit: SNTV

Three years after claiming his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz regained the crown at Flushing Meadows with a stunning victory over Jannik Sinner in the final.

In doing so, Alcaraz, 22, claimed the sixth major title of his career - and a second of the year after his French Open success - as well as wrestling the world No. 1 ranking from his beaten opponent.

Sunday's meeting was the third between Alcaraz and Sinner in Grand Slam finals this year, and a highly anticipated one due to their competitive on-court history.

Tennis

One Point Slam to return at 2027 Australian Open - What is it and how does it work?

15 hours ago

But Alcaraz's 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 triumph was perhaps unconventionally dominant, as he continued a remarkable run at this year's US Open.

Before the final, the world No. 2 had not dropped a set at Flushing Meadows and was evidently benefiting from a much-improved serve. He came out of the blocks at a rate which threw Sinner into disarray.

The Spaniard enjoyed a perfect start in the form of an immediate break. Sinner simply could not contain Alcaraz, whose movement not only saw him return everything that came towards him, but allowed him to send it back with interest - notably with some rasping forehands on the stretch.

'I have nerves in finals' - Anisimova after US Open final loss

Video credit: SNTV

That relentless pressure saw Sinner buckle in the early exchanges.

The top seed kept himself in contention by holding serve twice despite Alcaraz's onslaught, but the Italian could not prevent falling a double break behind to allow the Spaniard to serve for the opening set.

And Alcaraz did just that with a love hold. Losing just three points on serve in the opening set, his improvements in that department were firmly on show.

When Alcaraz gets on top of an opponent in a match, it usually only ends one way - highlighted by his imperious 21-0 (now 22-0) record at Flushing Meadows when winning the first set. Sinner needed a reaction, and fast.

In his typical resilient style, he did find it.

Increased security measures on the grounds of Flushing Meadows - due to the presence of United States President Donald Trump - meant fans were still streaming into Arthur Ashe Stadium by the time the second set began. For those who arrived late, it would have been difficult to believe just how Sinner fell to such a scoreline in the opener.

A trade of holds preceded an emphatic break to love for Sinner, who kicked into action, feeding off the raucous spectators and was beginning to work past Alcaraz's movement with some excellent combinations.

Contests between Alcaraz and Sinner often showcase some seismic shifts in momentum, and this one was in favour of the No. 1 seed, who was now dominating from the back of the court and leaving no leeway on his own serve.

A trade of holds ensued without a single break point between the pair - seeing Sinner draw level on sets. It seemed to promise another lengthy, fierce contest between the pair - but Alcaraz had other plans for his Sunday evening.

The few minutes between the second and third set seemed to zap all the momentum Sinner had accrued. Alcaraz took full advantage.

His eccentric, multi-faceted, all-action game again began to overpower Sinner - his ambitious winners began to clip the lines rather than land just out, and he stormed into a 5-0 lead thanks to a double break.

While Sinner did manage a hold to prevent a seldom-seen bagel against him, he could do little to halt what had been an inevitable outcome, his solitary winner compared to Alcaraz's 11 telling the story of an uncharacteristically one-sided set.

The final could well have got away from Sinner had he fallen on the wrong end of the 13-point game to open the fourth set. He batted away two break points to eventually claim it, somehow carving out angles to force a way past Alcaraz, whose indefatigable footwork provided no safe passage.

But with the manner of Alcaraz's performance, the break was never far away. And the trophy was firmly in sight when he seized Sinner's serve for a 3-2 lead. From here, it was a tidal wave of momentum against the Italian, and he just could not provide the response to the remarkable level Alcaraz was exhibiting.

Highlights: Anisimova to meet Sabalenka in US Open final after both triumph in semis

Video credit: SNTV

The raucous crowd on Ashe rose to its feet before Alcaraz served his first of two match points.

While Sinner saved them both, he could not prevent Alcaraz from dispatching his third championship point. The world's top two - who have always noted their strong relationship off-court - shared a warm embrace at the net before the champion executed his newfound golf swing celebration.

While Sunday was all about Alcaraz, the meeting was yet another indication of his and Sinner's absolute dominance in the men's game in its current state.

Not since Novak Djokovic's win at Flushing Meadows in 2023 has anyone but the world's top two won a Grand Slam, and there is no indication they will be knocked off their perch in the immediate future.

Watch and stream top tennis action live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+

ATP Cincinnati