Real Madrid, Rafael Nadal and Tottenham midfielder James Maddison lead tributes after Carlos Alcaraz wins US Open with victory over Jannik Sinner

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High-profile sporting names have been quick to congratulate Carlos Alcaraz for his remarkable US Open final victory over Jannik Sinner on Sunday - including 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and Alcaraz's beloved football club, Real Madrid. The triumph at Flushing Meadows took the 22-year-old's Grand Slam tally to six, and ensured he would take Sinner's spot as the men's world No. 1.

Alcaraz says completing career Grand Slam is 'first goal' as he looks ahead to Melbourne

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Rafael Nadal and La Liga giants Real Madrid are among the names to have paid tribute to Carlos Alcaraz, after the 22-year-old claimed his sixth Grand Slam title on Sunday.

Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in four sets at Flushing Meadows to win his second US Open title. In doing so, he became the second youngest-ever player to win six major titles - sitting behind only Bjorn Borg.

The triumph capped off a stunning run in New York, having dropped just a single set in the seven matches he played, and a continuation of a sensational run of form which has seen him defeated just once since April.

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Alcaraz, whose maiden Grand Slam trophy came in New York three years ago, also won the French Open title this year - and Nadal, who won 14 titles on the clay courts of Paris, was quick to congratulate his compatriot after his latest success.

Nadal wrote on X: "Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz! Champion again of the US Open and number 1! Congratulations on all the work behind this great season."

The newly-crowned US Open champion previously said Nadal is his "idol" and played alongside the 22-time Grand Slam champion at the Olympic Games in Paris last year before his retirement.

Alcaraz also previously stated his love for 15-time UEFA Champions League winners Real - and the Liga giants were hasty with their plaudits following the conclusion of Sunday's final.

The Spanish club posted on X: "Dear Carlos Alcaraz congratulations on your second US Open, your sixth Grand Slam, and on your well-deserved ranking as the number 1 tennis player in the world. All of us Madridistas are always by your side and are very proud of you. Congratulations, champion!"

Rod Laver and Billie Jean King, two all-time tennis greats, also took to social media to congratulate Alcaraz on his latest achievement.

Laver wrote: "Congratulations to US champ Carlos Alcaraz, who would not be denied today in his enthralling rivalry with Sinner. Clocking up the majors - who can stop these two? Next stop Laver Cup - I cannot wait."

King, meanwhile, added: "Cheers to Carlos Alcaraz, who has captured the US Open men's singles title for the second time!"

'With the absolute greats already'

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison, a keen tennis fan who attended Wimbledon earlier this year, was brimming with praise for Alcaraz, and feels he is already establishing himself as a tennis great.

Maddison posted on Instagram: "Unbelievable! So so good. Congratulations Carlitos & your amazing team. Starting to enter legendary territory with the absolute greats already."

Indeed, such is the dazzling nature of Alcaraz's rise that many plaudits have come outside just tennis. Two-time NBA winner Pau Gasol took to X and said: "In the city that never sleeps, I think today Carlos Alcaraz won't sleep much. Champion of the US Open and new world No. 1. Congratulations, friend!!"

Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn was also among those to congratulate Alcaraz on his achievement, after attending the US Open showcase on Sunday.

American ski racer Lindsey Vonn looks on during the Men's Singles Final match between Jannik Sinner of Italy and Carlos Alcaraz

Image credit: Getty Images

"Enhorabuena," the 20-time World Cup crystal globe winner wrote, which translates to "congratulations".

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