Carlos Alcaraz chose a light-hearted quip to doff his hat to Jannik Sinner and their enviable rivalry in men’s singles tennis. After defeating his arch-rival in their third successive meeting in a Grand Slam final, Alcaraz joked that he has been seeing the Italian more than his own family. Alcaraz triumphed over Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in two hours and 27 minutes to claim his second US Open title in New York on Sunday, 7 September.
Alcaraz became the third man, after Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg, to win at least six Grand Slam titles before turning 23. It required a near-perfect performance from the Spaniard to outclass Sinner and secure both the US Open crown and the World No. 1 ranking from the Italian.
Speaking after receiving the US Open trophy, Alcaraz highlighted the duopoly that he and Sinner have created in men’s singles tennis over the last two years and said he has been inspired by Sinner’s ability to improve with every tournament.
In numbers: Alcaraz emulates Nadal
“I want to start with Jannik. It’s unbelievable what you’re doing throughout the whole season. Great level in every tournament you play. I’m seeing you more than my own family,” Alcaraz said, as Sinner, holding the runner-up trophy, afforded a smile despite the disappointment of a tough loss.
“It’s great to share the court, share the locker rooms, and watch you improve every day. You have a great team and you work hard with them. Congratulations for everything you’ve been doing. A great performance throughout the whole week,” he added.
The ‘SinCaraz’ rivalry, as it has been dubbed, has ensured men’s singles tennis continues to carry the flavour of the Golden Era, when the Big Three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic dominated nearly all major titles. Since the start of the 2024 season, Sinner and Alcaraz have shared all eight Grand Slam crowns between them. Sinner won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, while Alcaraz prevailed in the marathon final against the Italian at the French Open before outclassing him again in New York.
With contrasting styles and exceptional efficiency in their own ways, Alcaraz and Sinner have entertained tennis fans over the last two years. They have been a cut above the rest, including Novak Djokovic, who has been chasing his 25th Grand Slam over the past two years, only to be denied by one of these two on the sport’s biggest stages.
LUCKY TO HAVE YOU GUYS: ALCARAZ
Alcaraz then made sure he thanked his biggest support system – his family and coaches – for helping him stay balanced despite the intensity on the court.
“To my team and family, I’m lucky to have you guys. Honored to be honest,” he said with emotions filling his voice.
“The hard work you do to make me even better. Not only in the professional part, but also the personal part as well. I’m really proud about the people I have around. Thank you very much. Every achievement I have is because of you. This one is also yours. My team.. I’m really lucky to have part of my family here. My brother, uncle, father, mother.. my little brothers are at home watching as well. The support I’m receiving from you is great. Thank you very much,” he said.
Alcaraz travelled to New York with his elder brother and even entrusted him with trimming his hair. The result, a buzz cut, became hugely popular across the city during the fortnight, with Alcaraz joking that it was born out of his brother’s mistake with the razor.
Off the court, Alcaraz entertained tennis fans worldwide by thoroughly enjoying his stay in New York. While near-unbeatable on court, he was almost always seen with a smile and made the most of his off-days, including enjoying golf sessions during a fortnight he will remember forever.
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