Re-Introducing The King Of New York: Carlos Alcaraz Steamrolls Jannik Sinner, Wins The 2025 US Open, And Regains The Number 1 Ranking In The World

Sarah Stier. Getty Images.

While you were watching football Carlos Alcaraz took care of Jannik Sinner in four sets to win the US Open. I'll admit it wasn't the easiest of tasks to give this my full focus to this match with the NFL's opening 1:00 slate going. Beyond idiotic to have this match at 2PM EST on Sunday. I'm done ranting about that though, let's talk about Carlos. The win today gives him six slams at just the age of 22. Alcaraz also reclaims the world number one ranking, as whoever won today would have had achieved that accolade. 

For a few years now Jannik Sinner has dominated hard court grand slams with Carlos having the upper hand on the grass and clay. More of that has had to do with Alcaraz's inconsistency in getting to the final where Sinner waited. This year at the US Open Carlos took a mercenary approach to the draw and obliterated everyone in his path, including Novak Djokovic. The buzzed haircut was fitting for his play. There was no fucking around this time around. No losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in the first week like in 2024. This version of Carlos where he doesn't experience lapses in concentration is a terrifying one. Just ask Jannik how today went. 

Fitting to end with an ace as Carlos' serve was the story of this match. 10 aces, zero double faults, 83% of points won on his first serve, and only one break point faced. A few years ago Carlos' serve was inconsistent and holding him back. This tournament, however, it was his strength, and that's saying something since he has a ton of strengths. Alcaraz had everything going for him today whether it was the forehand, backhand, the touch at the net, or the slice. 

How about this fucking overhead? 

There was nothing Jannik Sinner could do today. He certainly wasn't on his A game which didn't help as he sprayed 28 unforced errors to just 21 winners. Who knows if he wasn't 100% healthy, but he didn't seem hampered physically in the match. Perhaps a little limited, but that shouldn't take away from how good Carlos Alcaraz was today. 

While it's not exactly great for tennis that these two keep splitting the slams between each other and no one else joining the party, it is cool to see both make adjustments and continue to counter punch. Carlos was the two time defending champ at Wimbledon before Sinner took him down a few months ago. Jannik was unbeatable here and the hardcourt slam king before Carlos elevated to what we saw today. It's a back and forth heavyweight fight that will continue for the next decade. Alcaraz now has the 6-4 slam lead as we head into 2026. He's never performed to his ability in Australia so perhaps that's the next wrinkle to the rivalry as Jannik thrives in the land down under. We shall see, but today is about Carlos Alcaraz. Unplayable on the court. VAMOS!!!!

KENA BETANCUR. Getty Images.