 |
| Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) in action against Jannik Sinner (ITA) (not pictured) during the final of men's singles at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.— Reuters |
Carlos Alcaraz Beats Jannik Sinner to Win US Open as Trump Faces Mixed Reception
Carlos Alcaraz in action against Jannik Sinner during the final of men's singles at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.— Reuters Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to win the US Open, as loud boos -- mixed with a smattering of cheers -- greeted President...
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to claim the US Open title, in a final that saw a mix of loud boos and scattered cheers for President Donald Trump, who attended the match in New York. The 22-year-old Spaniard prevailed 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, capturing his second US Open crown and sixth Grand Slam title. The victory also served as redemption for Alcaraz, who had lost to Sinner in the Wimbledon final in July — his only defeat in a major final. With the win, Alcaraz will reclaim the world number one ranking, ending Sinner’s 27-match winning streak at hard-court Grand Slams and returning to the top spot for the first time since September 2023.
“I tried my best today. I couldn’t do more,” said Sinner, who also fell to Alcaraz in the French Open final earlier this year. His defeat extends the Open era’s longest drought without a successful men’s title defence at any Grand Slam. The last man to retain the US Open crown was Roger Federer, who won five straight from 2004 to 2008.
The much-anticipated third consecutive Grand Slam final between the world’s top two players carried extra intrigue with Trump in attendance. His arrival delayed the start of the final by 30 minutes due to heightened security measures, leaving Arthur Ashe Stadium only three-quarters full when play began. Trump waved to the crowd before the national anthem, drawing a mixed reception, and later was met with more boos when shown on the big screen.
The high-profile crowd included Bruce Springsteen, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Douglas, and NBA star Stephen Curry, adding star power to the final. On the court, Alcaraz wasted little time asserting dominance, breaking Sinner twice in the first set to take it 6-2. But Sinner responded in the second, capitalizing on a brief dip from Alcaraz to level the match.
The Spaniard, however, stormed back in the third with brilliant baseline play, including a stunning angled smash that gave him control. He cruised through the set and carried his momentum into the fourth, breaking Sinner in the fifth game and never looking back. The victory made Alcaraz only the fourth man in history to win multiple Grand Slam titles on hard courts, grass, and clay — a testament to his versatility and growing dominance across all surfaces.