On September 8th, 2025, the men's singles champion of the US Open was crowned. In a notable showdown between the world’s top two players, Rolex ambassador Alcaraz defeated top seed and defending champion Sinner in a 2 hour and 42 minute match with scores of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. He secured his second US Open title and sixth Grand Slam victory, along with a $5 million prize. This win propelled him past Sinner in the latest rankings, reclaiming the world No. 1 spot and ending the Italian’s 65-week dominance.

Alcaraz claims US Open crown again after three years

This final marked the third consecutive Grand Slam final meeting between the two. Alcaraz narrowly saved three championship points to win the French Open earlier this year, while Sinner had reversed the result by winning the Wimbledon final in four sets. Due to enhanced security for US President Donald Trump attending the match, the final start was delayed by about 50 minutes. Both players delivered many thrilling rallies, but except for the second set where Sinner used steady baseline play to even the score, Alcaraz dominated most of the match. The Spaniard out-hit Sinner with twice as many winners (42-21), extending their head-to-head record to 10 wins to 5 losses in his favor.

At the trophy ceremony, Alcaraz emotionally said, "My team, my family... honestly, having you all is my greatest fortune. Your hard work makes me better, not just professionally but personally. Every achievement I have is thanks to you, and this trophy belongs to you as well."

Alcaraz first thanked his team, then expressed heartfelt gratitude to the New York crowd: "This tournament means so much to me, and just being part of it is an honor. I felt at home here, experienced tremendous energy and genuine love—that’s what drives me to give my best for you. You make everything feel effortless."

Sinner misses chance to defend US Open title

After the loss, Sinner admitted, "Today my shot selection on court was too predictable, while he varied his game and constantly changed the rhythm, which is his tactical style. Now the choice is mine: whether to make changes. This will definitely be a key focus in our future training. I will prepare better for the next encounter with him. From now on, I might even have to be ready to lose some matches in order to try new things and become a less predictable player. I believe this is the direction I must break through to grow into a better tennis player."

Alcaraz returns to world No. 1

With this prestigious title, Alcaraz has reached world No. 1 for the first time since September 2023. Coincidentally, this day marks the 22nd anniversary of his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero’s first ascent to world No. 1 after the 2003 US Open final. At the same time, Alcaraz has taken the lead in the ATP year-end No. 1 race this season, currently ahead of Sinner by 2590 ranking points. Both Sinner and Alcaraz have qualified for this year’s ATP Finals singles lineup, having split the four Grand Slam titles evenly for two consecutive years, continuing their dominance as the “Sinca” duo in men’s tennis.

This significant final attracted many tennis legends to attend. 2000 US Open champion Safin was invited to conduct the coin toss, three-time champion Roddick appeared at the award ceremony to present the trophies to the finalists, and other greats like Edberg, Connors, Agassi, Wilander, and Rafter were in the audience.

Alcaraz’s path to the title

Round 1: 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 vs. Opelka

Round 2: 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 vs. Berrettini

Round 3: 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 vs. Darderi [32]

Round 4: 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4 vs. Lindgren

Quarterfinal: 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 vs. Lehecka [20]

Semifinal: 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2 vs. Djokovic [7]

Final: 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 vs. Sinner [1]

(Text and editing by Wang Fei, images courtesy of Visual China)