Alcaraz Recaptures World No. 1 Ranking with Grand Slam Victory

Carlos Alcaraz triumphed over Jannik Sinner with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory, reclaiming the U.S. Open title on Sunday. This win allows him to regain the world number one ranking and solidifies the emerging rivalry between the leading players in men’s tennis.

Mirroring his 2022 success that initially propelled him to the top, Alcaraz’s New York title elevates him back to the world’s top spot. The 22-year-old Spaniard supersedes Sinner and increases his Grand Slam title count to six.

Alcaraz becomes the second youngest player in the Open Era, which began in 1968, to secure six major titles, following Bjorn Borg. The victory also ended Sinner’s impressive 27-match winning streak on hardcourt majors, impacting the Italian’s otherwise remarkable season.

The Spaniard, who garnered attention with his new haircut at the tournament’s commencement, departs New York celebrated for a 13-match winning streak, boasting seven titles and only six losses in 2025.

“I want to acknowledge Jannik; his performance throughout the season has been incredible, consistently playing at a high level. I find myself seeing him more often than my own family,” Alcaraz remarked, improving his head-to-head record against Sinner to 10-5.

“It’s a privilege to share the court, the locker room, and everything else with you.

“I am immensely grateful for the people around me. Any success I achieve is because of you all… this victory is also yours.”

Underneath grey skies at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Alcaraz sustained his dynamic tennis style that characterized his play. He reinforced an early break by feigning a drop shot, hitting a winner that outmaneuvered Sinner.

He rejoiced after executing an improbable half-volley at the net and soon clinched the first set. He concluded it with a powerful serve that Sinner returned into the net, marking a temporary lapse in the Italian’s typically precise game.

With former U.S. President Donald Trump in attendance, adding to the spectacle of the third consecutive Grand Slam final between them, Sinner retaliated, securing the subsequent set after overcoming an initial break point.

After conceding his first set of the tournament, Alcaraz amplified his intensity, rapidly establishing a 5-0 lead in the third set before Sinner managed to score. Alcaraz then finalized the set with a strong serve.

Sinner produced two stunning volleys in the opening game of the fourth set, which elicited loud applause. He then held serve. However, he faltered under pressure and conceded a critical break to Alcaraz in the fifth game.

Donning a bright pink shirt, Alcaraz advanced to secure the victory on his third match point, celebrating with raised fists, followed by an embrace with Sinner and celebrations with his team.

A disappointed Sinner now reflects on another Grand Slam final defeat to Alcaraz this season, after their encounter at the French Open in June, although he did defeat the Spaniard to claim his Wimbledon crown the following month.

“We competed in many significant matches this season,” Sinner stated, after regaining his composure.

“I gave my best effort today, but it wasn’t sufficient.”