Alcaraz says he sees rival Sinner ‘more than my family’ after US Open win

Carlos Alcaraz reclaimed the US Open title and the world number one ranking after defeating Jannik Sinner in the final at Flushing Meadows, joking during his on-court speech that he sees his rival "more than my family." The victory capped another major chapter in a season dominated by the two 20-somethings, who have won the past eight Grand Slams between them.

Alcaraz, 22, produced a near-flawless tournament in New York, not dropping a set until the final and showing marked improvement in his serve and concentration. His statistical return at the US Open underlined that progress: he won 97% of his service games, claimed 84% of first-serve points, faced 10 break points and conceded just three breaks of serve across the fortnight. Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero said Alcaraz and his team identified specific areas to fix after losing to Sinner at Wimbledon and have kept the adjustments private.

The final was the fifth time this season the pair have contested tournament titles, and their rivalry has produced three major finals this year alone. Alcaraz said the rivalry has pushed him to improve: "I give 100% every day to improve, sitting down with the team to see what I can do better to beat Jannik and win these kind of trophies. Having this rivalry means a lot."

Sinner, who won Wimbledon two months earlier, acknowledged areas he must change after the defeat. The Italian, whose season included a 65-week spell at world number one interrupted by a three-month absence because of a controversial doping case, said he had been "too rigid" in matches that felt comfortable and became "predictable" when facing Alcaraz. "I didn't make one serve-volley, didn't use a lot of drop shots, and then you arrive to a point where you play Carlos and have to go out of the comfort zone," Sinner said. He added that he intends to try to be more unpredictable, even if that approach risks more losses in the short term.

Ferrero suggested opponents will hear of some of the tactical changes: "For sure, Simone [Vagnozzi, Sinner's coach] will hear," he said after the final. The match underlined how technical improvements and mental maturity have combined for Alcaraz, who has been criticised in the past for lapses in concentration but showed a laser-like focus throughout the US Open.

Their dominance has left a slim margin for other contenders. Novak Djokovic, despite his own major-winning standards, remains the most obvious challenger but turned 38 in May. Other players such as Germany's Alexander Zverev and America's Taylor Fritz have shown flashes of potential but have yet to consistently match the two in five-set major contests. Young players including Britain's Jack Draper, 23, and American Ben Shelton, 22, possess powerful games that could trouble the leaders if they maintain fitness and consistency.

Alcaraz's win moves him to six major titles with Sinner on four, and the pair have effectively traded the middle two majors this year: Sinner won in Paris, Alcaraz in New York. Their run of finals and trophies has been a defining feature of the ATP season, raising questions about who can bridge the gap and supply regular competition beyond the two leaders.

Both men framed the rivalry in constructive terms after the final. Alcaraz described it as "super special" for players and spectators, while Sinner pledged to broaden his tactical range. With Grand Slam finals in Melbourne and Paris already decided earlier in the year between them, the two players’ focus will likely shift now to maintaining form and health as the tour moves toward the indoor season and next year’s majors.