Carlos Alcaraz captured his second U.S. Open title in a thrilling four-set match against Jannik Sinner on Sunday, culminating in a dramatic finish at Flushing Meadows. The 22-year-old Spanish star, who had previously won the U.S. Open in 2022, edged out the Italian in a display of resilience and tactical acumen. The victory not only adds to Alcaraz’s growing list of Grand Slam titles—six in total—but also positions him as a strong contender for the world No. 1 ranking. This win, following his French Open triumph earlier in the year and a Wimbledon final loss, marks a significant milestone in his career and underlines his emergence as one of tennis’ most formidable players.
Alcaraz’s triumph took place in front of a crowd that included President Donald Trump, marking Trump’s first appearance at the U.S. Open final since 2015. The former president entered Arthur Ashe Stadium with limited time before the match began, and increased security measures kept many fans from entering the venue. Despite the logistical challenges, Trump was present for the entirety of the match, cheering for Alcaraz as he secured the victory. The former president’s presence, combined with heightened security, highlighted the intersection of politics and sport, a recurring theme at major events. Alcaraz, who appeared to be aware of Trump’s presence, stated that it was a privilege for the tournament to have the president present. “For me, playing in front of him… I will try not to think about it,” he said. “I don’t want myself to be nervous because of it, but I think attending the tennis match, it’s great for tennis to have the president at the final.”
The match itself was a testament to Alcaraz’s composure and ability to capitalize on Sinner’s errors. In the fourth set, Alcaraz seized control by dominating the eighth game and then executing his serve effectively in the 10th game, which was pivotal in the match. Sinner, expected to be a formidable opponent, struggled with his service game, suffering from four double faults and only managing two aces throughout the match. The Italian, despite his best effort, was unable to overcome these inconsistencies, ultimately falling to the Spanish star. This defeat, however, will not be seen as a setback for Sinner, as he remains in the upper echelon of men’s tennis, having previously reached the French Open final and the Wimbledon final.
Alcaraz’s win not only solidifies his position in the world rankings but also adds to the growing narrative of his dominance in the sport. With a total of six Grand Slam titles now on his resume, Alcaraz is closing in on the historic achievement of winning all four major tournaments—though he has yet to secure the Australian Open title. His recent performance at the U.S. Open has set the stage for what promises to be a dominant year in his career. The victory is also a testament to his ability to perform under pressure, particularly with the high-profile presence of Trump, a factor that added an extra layer of significance to the match. In the broader context of tennis, this win places Alcaraz among the elite, with his career trajectory showing no signs of slowing down.