In a spectacular showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 7, 2025, Carlos Alcaraz reaffirmed his status as one of tennis’s brightest stars, defeating Jannik Sinner in four sets—6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4—to claim his second US Open men’s singles title. The victory not only added a sixth Grand Slam trophy to the Spaniard’s burgeoning collection but also propelled him back to the top of the world rankings, displacing his Italian rival in a rivalry that’s quickly becoming one for the ages.
The electric atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe was palpable, though not without drama beyond the baseline. United States President Donald Trump’s attendance required extensive security checks, delaying the match by nearly an hour and leaving thousands of eager fans waiting outside the gates as the scheduled start time came and went. As fans finally filtered in, the tension and anticipation only seemed to heighten the significance of the occasion.
Alcaraz wasted no time asserting himself, dazzling the crowd with his trademark blend of power and finesse. He took the first set 6-2, consolidating an early break with a cheeky drop shot that left Sinner wrong-footed and the crowd roaring. The Spaniard’s exuberance was on full display after a breathtaking half-volley at the net, and he punctuated the set with a booming serve that Sinner could only send into the net—a rare lapse in the Italian’s otherwise metronomic precision.
But Sinner, who has matched Alcaraz step for step throughout the 2025 season, wasn’t about to go quietly. He saved an early break point in the second set and found his rhythm, ultimately taking the set 6-3 and leveling the contest. It was the third consecutive Grand Slam final between these two young titans this year, with each encounter adding new chapters to their burgeoning rivalry. Sinner, who had denied Alcaraz at Wimbledon in July, looked poised to repeat the feat.
Yet Alcaraz responded with the heart of a champion, racing to a 5-0 lead in the third set before Sinner even managed to get on the board. The 22-year-old closed out the set 6-1 with another monstrous serve, sending a clear message that he wasn’t ready to relinquish his New York crown. As grey clouds hovered overhead, Alcaraz’s brand of “sunshine tennis” lit up Flushing Meadows, just as it had throughout the fortnight.
The fourth set saw Sinner pull off two breathtaking volleys in the opening game, drawing raucous applause and holding serve under immense pressure. But the Italian’s resolve finally cracked in the fifth game, gifting Alcaraz the crucial break. Clad in a bright pink vest and moving with a flamingo’s grace, Alcaraz soared ahead, ultimately clinching victory on his third match point. He celebrated with raised fists, a warm embrace for Sinner, and wild cheers from his team—a fitting end to a hard-fought contest.
“I want to start with Jannik. It’s unbelievable what you’re doing the whole season; great level during every tournament that you’re playing… I’m seeing you more than my family,” Alcaraz joked on court, acknowledging both the intensity and frequency of their meetings. “It’s great to share a court, to share the locker room, to share everything with you. I’m just really proud about the people I have around. Every achievement I’m having is because of you, thanks to you… This one is yours.”
Sinner, despite another Grand Slam final loss to Alcaraz this season, was gracious in defeat. “A lot of big stages and matches we played this season,” he said after composing himself. “I tried my best today. I couldn’t do more.” The Italian will now turn his attention to next year, still seeking to complete his own career Grand Slam—he only needs the French Open to do so, while Alcaraz’s missing piece is the Australian Open.
The off-court drama was nearly as intense as the action between the lines. President Trump’s presence dominated the pre-match conversation, with mixed reactions from the crowd—some cheered, others booed, and videos of his reaction to Alcaraz’s win quickly went viral on social media. One widely shared clip showed Trump not clapping during Alcaraz’s celebration, while those around him applauded enthusiastically. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) reportedly requested broadcasters to avoid showing any disruptions related to Trump’s attendance, a move that itself became a talking point across various media platforms.
Trump, who hadn’t attended the US Open since a frosty reception in 2015, later signed hats for fans, with supporters and detractors alike taking to social media to debate the significance of his appearance. “Never seen anything like this at a tennis event. This is the queue to get into Arthur Ashe after security was ramped up for President Trump’s visit,” wrote tennis journalist Matthew Lambwell, capturing the logistical chaos that accompanied the evening.
For Alcaraz, the win was significant not just for the trophy and the world number one ranking. With the champion’s check, he became the seventh player in ATP or WTA history to surpass $50 million in career prize money—and notably, the first player born in the 2000s to hit that mark. Even if he’d finished as runner-up, Alcaraz would have crossed that milestone—an incredible feat for a player still in his early twenties.
Elsewhere at the US Open, the revamped mixed doubles tournament sparked controversy. Jessica Pegula, who teamed up with Jack Draper to defeat Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu 4-2, 4-2, took to Instagram to playfully rib the men’s champion: “Congrats @carlitosalcarazz too bad I was the only person to beat you at the @usopen this year.” However, Pegula and Draper’s run ended in the semifinals, while the final saw Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori take the crown. The Italian duo, who won the previous edition, criticized the new entertainment-focused format, saying, “In our opinion making decisions just following the logic of profit is profoundly wrong in some situations… [Putting] money above tennis is never a good idea.”
As the dust settles on another unforgettable US Open, the sport’s future looks brighter than ever. Alcaraz and Sinner have now contested three of this year’s four Grand Slam finals, with their rivalry driving each to new heights and captivating fans around the globe. With both men still in their early twenties, tennis enthusiasts can only wonder—how many more classics do these two have in store?
For now, Carlos Alcaraz stands atop the tennis world once more, a six-time Grand Slam champion, US Open hero, and the sport’s newest $50-million man. The echoes of his triumph—and the questions it raises about the next era of men’s tennis—will linger long after the final ball has been struck in New York.
