Lead: On Sept. 7, 2025 in New York, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the U.S. Open final, lifting his second Flushing Meadows trophy, earning a sixth Grand Slam and retaking the world No. 1 ranking after a 2-hour, 42-minute match.
Key Takeaways
- Alcaraz beat Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to claim his sixth major and his second U.S. Open title.
- The victory lasted 2 hours 42 minutes and moved Alcaraz to the world No. 1 position, replacing Sinner.
- The result gives Alcaraz a 10-5 lead in their head-to-head and 6-4 edge in major finals.
- This was the first time two men met in three consecutive Grand Slam finals within a single season.
- Play was delayed about 30 minutes before the match because of extra security while spectators were processed into Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- Sinner had reported a minor abdominal issue in his semifinal; his team described it as not serious.
Verified Facts
Carlos Alcaraz, 22, recovered from a second-set lapse to dominate the first, third and fourth sets with aggressive forehands that produced the match’s higher share of winners. He finished with roughly twice as many winners as Sinner (about 42 to 21), forcing errors and breaking Sinner five times on the hard court surface.
Jannik Sinner, 24, staged a strong response in the second set and had come into the final on an extraordinary run at majors; since the start of the 2024 U.S. Open he had won 33 of 34 major matches and was undefeated in 27 straight hard-court major matches before this loss. Sunday marked his fifth consecutive major final appearance.
The two have now met repeatedly at the biggest events this season: Alcaraz denied Sinner at Roland-Garros after erasing three match points in June, Sinner beat Alcaraz at Wimbledon in July, and now Alcaraz prevailed at the U.S. Open. Overall head-to-head stands at 10-5 in Alcaraz’s favor, and the pair have split recent U.S. Open finals 2-1.
Match conditions included a closed roof after earlier rain and a roughly 30-minute start delay while additional security screening processed thousands of fans before play began. Organizers said the delay related to heightened security measures for a high-profile suite guest.
Context & Impact
The Alcaraz–Sinner rivalry has defined men’s tennis this season. Together they have captured eight straight Grand Slam trophies and 10 of the last 13, with Novak Djokovic taking the remaining three in that span. Their repeated clashes are reshaping expectations about the era following the sport’s previous long-term leaders.
Alcaraz’s win also deepens his statistical dominance: since May he has won 37 of 38 matches, and in 2025 he led the tour with seven titles and carried a 61-6 match record. Regaining No. 1 sets up a renewed ranking battle between the two as the season progresses.
Practical implications include heightened attention on upcoming hard-court and indoor events where both players target ranking points and preparation for the ATP Finals. Tournament directors and broadcasters may also see increased demand for matches that feature these two rivals.
Near-term consequences
- Alcaraz gains momentum and confidence entering fall events and the indoor season.
- Sinner remains a strong favorite at major events despite the loss, given his string of finals and hard-court form before this match.
- Tactical trends—Alcaraz’s heavy forehand vs. Sinner’s pressure to the backhand—will influence opponent game plans moving forward.
Official Statements
“I think you were better than me today,” Sinner said to Alcaraz after the match.
Jannik Sinner
Alcaraz joked about their frequent meetings and praised the rivalry as beneficial for both players and the sport.
Carlos Alcaraz
Unconfirmed
- The exact impact of the 30-minute security delay on Sinner’s pre-match routine and performance is unclear.
- The long-term significance of Sinner’s reported abdominal issue remains unreported beyond team statements that it was not serious.
Bottom Line
Alcaraz’s U.S. Open triumph cements a season-long rivalry with Sinner and returns him to the top of the rankings. Their sequence of Grand Slam finals is unprecedented and sets the stage for further high-profile clashes as both chase majors and year-end honors.