Carlos Alcaraz Tops Jannik Sinner to Win U.S. Open, Reclaims World No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 on Sunday to win the U.S. Open men’s singles title, reclaim the world No. 1 ranking and collect the $5 million champion’s prize. The 22-year-old Spaniard’s sixth Grand Slam moved him ahead in their rivalry and gave him his second trophy at Flushing Meadows.

The match at Arthur Ashe Stadium began under a closed roof following earlier rain and was delayed about 30 minutes after thousands of spectators queued at security checkpoints. The pause came as President Donald Trump attended the final, sitting in a sponsor’s suite; his appearance drew a mixed chorus of boos and cheers when he was shown on videoboards during the first set.

Alcaraz took control early, producing a near-flawless first set and breaking Sinner’s serve to establish the tone. Sinner, the defending champion and top seed, responded in the second set with more aggressive serving and a break to level the match. Alcaraz regained momentum in the third, dominating baseline exchanges and closing out the set 6-1. In the fourth, multiple unforced errors by Sinner and a key break for Alcaraz in the eighth game set up the finish; Alcaraz closed with an ace for the match.

The victory extended Alcaraz’s advantage in their personal series to 10-5, gave him a 2-1 edge over Sinner in U.S. Open finals between them and marked the first time in tennis history the same two men have met in three consecutive Grand Slam finals in a single season. The pair have been the defining figures in men’s tennis this year, combining to capture the last eight consecutive major titles and 10 of the past 13. Novak Djokovic won the three others in that span.

Statistically, Alcaraz pressured Sinner with aggressive shotmaking and variety, finishing with 40 winners to 24 unforced errors and recording 10 aces. Sinner struggled with his first serve for much of the match, landing roughly half of his first serves, and he reported abdominal discomfort during the tournament. He saved match points with strong winners at one stage, but could not sustain the level needed to stave off Alcaraz’s finishing surge.

The presence of the president introduced unusual logistical measures. Tournament officials said enhanced security funneled patrons through airport-style checks, producing long lines that persisted well into the match. Some spectators and former players criticized the delay and the effect on the stadium atmosphere after ticket holders were unable to reach their seats by the scheduled start time.

Alcaraz’s year has included a French Open title, a runner-up finish at Wimbledon and a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open. Sunday’s win returns him to the top of the rankings, with official confirmations expected when the ATP updates its standings Monday. Sinner, 24, will keep his place among the game’s elite and is likely to be a contender at the Australian Open next year.

Alcaraz celebrated the victory with his customary on-court gesture and spoke afterward about the importance of the title and the rivalry, saying the matches against Sinner push both players to their best. The tournament’s final marked another chapter in a season dominated by two young players who have reshaped the men’s game with contrasting styles and repeated Grand Slam encounters.