Alcaraz beats Sinner in four sets to reclaim US Open and world No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to win the US Open and reclaim the world No. 1 ranking on Sunday, taking his sixth Grand Slam title and the tournament he first won in 2022.

The 22-year-old Spaniard started strongly, absorbed a second-set fightback from Sinner and then regained control with a dominant third set before closing out the victory in the fourth. The match was delayed by about 30 minutes after extra security measures were put in place for the presence of US President Donald Trump, a disruption that created long queues for fans entering Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Once under way, the final settled into the latest chapter of a gripping rivalry. Alcaraz used superior serving and varied shotmaking to take the opening set 6-2, allowing Sinner only three receiving points while putting pressure on the Italian with aggressive returns. Sinner raised his level in the second set, hitting heavy groundstrokes and breaking decisively in the fourth game to level the match 3-6.

Alcaraz responded in the third by taking time away from Sinner, rediscovering a potent first serve and finishing the set 6-1 as his touch and net play forced errors from his opponent. In the fourth, Sinner — who had struggled with a stomach issue during his semi-final — made uncharacteristic mistakes and lost serve for the fifth time in the match, failing to mount a serious threat as Alcaraz served out the title.

Alcaraz finished the match with 40 winners and 24 unforced errors and closed out the victory with an ace down the line, prompting his customary golf-club celebration. Sinner saved two championship points during the run-up to the finish but Alcaraz reset and converted on his third opportunity.

"I see you more than my family. It's great to share the court with you," Alcaraz said of his rival after the match. Sinner conceded afterwards, "I tried my best today — I couldn't do more."

The victory hands Alcaraz his sixth major, making him the second-youngest man after Bjorn Borg to reach that number of Grand Slam titles. It also ended Sinner's 65-week spell at world No. 1 and split the season's major titles between the two players, who each won multiple Slams this year.

The match was the sixth final meeting between the pair this season, following their classic encounters at the French Open and Wimbledon. Their three Grand Slam finals this year marked the first time in the Open Era two players had contested three major finals against each other in a single season.

Pre-match procedures were disrupted by extra security measures for the president's visit, including airport-style screening at stadium entrances that created long lines and a late start to the scheduled 2 p.m. session. Television footage showed crowds funneling through scanners and some ticket-holders still entering the venue well into the early stages of play. Trump was shown on the big screen during the national anthem and drew a mixed reaction from the crowd during the match.

Players continued to warm up during the delay. Reports described Alcaraz stretching and doing trunk-rotation exercises while Sinner kicked a small ball around with members of his team; neither player indicated the pause had a decisive impact on their physical preparation.

Sinner had come into the final off an impressive run but with some ongoing physical issues. He had been broken multiple times in the match and struggled with his first-serve percentage, landing roughly half of his first serves, which limited his ability to hold serve consistently against Alcaraz's pressure. The Italian reached the final after recovering from earlier abdominal discomfort in the tournament.

Alcaraz's serving, which had been a vulnerability at Wimbledon, was markedly improved in New York and proved decisive. His ability to mix short angles, drop shots and penetrating groundstrokes disrupted Sinner's rhythm and allowed Alcaraz to take control at key moments.

The players have traded Grand Slam momentum this year: Alcaraz saved match points to win the French Open, Sinner took the Wimbledon title, and the pair have pushed each other into multiple headline matches across the season. Their rivalry has become a dominant storyline in men's tennis and remains likely to shape the majors in the months ahead.

Alcaraz's win in New York comes with the US Open champion's prize money and ranking points that returned him to the top of the ATP standings. Sinner, aged 24, will drop to No. 2 and is expected to regroup ahead of the next major. Both players suggested after the match that they expect future Grand Slam finals to pit them against each other again, with the Australian Open the next major meeting on the calendar.

As the crowd filtered out of Arthur Ashe Stadium, discussion of the match quickly turned to the quality of the tennis and the logistical issues that preceded it. For now, the record shows another major for Alcaraz and another high-profile chapter added to one of the sport's most compelling rivalries.