The rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner often dominates social media during major tennis tournaments, but their 15-match history is built on a foundation of deep respect. After ending Sinner’s bid to defend his US Open title, Alcaraz’s praise for his rival’s game offered a powerful example of sportsmanship that resonated far beyond the court.
How Did Carlos Alcaraz Overcome Jannik Sinner in the US Open Final?
Carlos Alcaraz reclaimed the World No. 1 ranking in the latest ATP Rankings released on Monday after capturing the U.S. Open title. The Spaniard defeated Jannik Sinner with a final score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to win his second U.S. Open championship in New York and his sixth major career title overall.
This victory marked Alcaraz’s return to the top spot in the rankings for the first time since 2023.
While many analyzed the reasons behind Alcaraz’s victory, the champion himself dismissed the idea that he had simply figured out his opponent’s strategy. During the post-match press conference, Alcaraz spoke highly of Sinner’s abilities, making it clear that predicting his rival’s moves is never easy.
“I wouldn’t say I read his game, that he was predictable. But, I know him, I watch a lot of his matches. First of all, because I love watching him play. I think it is unbelievable what he’s doing, and secondly, it’s because I love to study him, how he plays, how he feels about the tournaments,” the Spaniard said.
Carlos Alcaraz on if Jannik Sinner is getting too predictable:
“I wouldn’t say I read his game, that he was predictable… I watch a lot of his matches. First of all, because I love watching him play. I think it is unbelievable what he’s doing…”
Great respect. ❤ pic.twitter.com/V7n4x79yVw
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 8, 2025
“I played with him in those tournaments just to have a feedback of how he’s playing. So, I wouldn’t say he’s predictable, but I know his style. I know what he’s gonna do, what are his main weapons in the game.”
Throughout the tournament, Alcaraz was in superb form, reaching the final without dropping a single set. Sinner, on the other hand, had lost two sets in earlier rounds and was dealing with an injury.
In the final, Alcaraz seized control from the beginning, playing aggressively and making few errors. A tense-looking Sinner struggled to find his rhythm, which allowed Alcaraz to gain the upper hand early on.
What Is Alcaraz’s Next Major Goal?
With the last Grand Slam of the season now complete, both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner finished with a 2-2 split in major titles for the year. Now holding a portfolio of six Grand Slam trophies, the Spaniard has his sights set on completing a career Grand Slam.
“It’s my first goal, to be honest. When I just go to the preseason to [see] what I want to improve, what I want to achieve, Australian Open is there. It’s the first or second tournament of the year, and it is always the main goal for me to complete a Career Grand Slam, Calendar Grand Slam. So it’s going to be great,” he told ATPTour.com.
Having already won titles at the French Open (2024, 2025), Wimbledon (2023, 2024), and the US Open (2023, 2025), the Spaniard now aims to win his maiden Australian Open to achieve that massive career milestone.
