Carlos Alcaraz stopped Novak Djokovic’s latest bid for history on Friday, overpowering the Serbian in straight sets to book a US Open final against long-time rival Jannik Sinner.
The 22-year-old Spaniard dismantled Djokovic 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 in just over two hours, denying the 38-year-old a chance at a record 25th Grand Slam title. The win also sets up a high-stakes showdown on Sunday, with the winner guaranteed to leave New York as world number one.
“Beating Novak is always special,” Alcaraz said afterwards. “But this was just a semifinal. The real challenge comes Sunday.”
Sinner Survives Auger-Aliassime Test
A few hours later, Jannik Sinner punched his ticket to the final with a four-set win over Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Italian stormed through the opening set, stumbled in the second, but recovered to close it out 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Sinner’s victory means he has now reached the final of all four majors in a single season — a feat achieved previously by only Rod Laver, Roger Federer, and Djokovic. Having already won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, the 23-year-old continues to stamp his authority on the men’s game.
“It’s been an amazing season,” Sinner reflected. “Every Slam feels different, but the big matches are why we play.”
Rivalry Renewed: The “Sincaraz” Saga
Sunday’s clash marks the third consecutive Grand Slam final between Alcaraz and Sinner. Their rivalry has become the defining storyline of men’s tennis in 2025.
- French Open, June: Alcaraz edged Sinner in a five-hour epic.
- Wimbledon, July: Sinner struck back, dethroning Alcaraz in the final.
- US Open, September: The tiebreaker awaits.
The two also share history in New York: their 2022 quarterfinal thriller finished at 2:50 a.m. — still the latest ending in US Open history.
“We’ve grown a lot since then,” Sinner said. “We know each other well, but Sunday will be different.”
Djokovic: “I Can’t Match Their Physicality”
For Djokovic, Friday’s loss may signal a turning point. The 24-time Grand Slam winner admitted afterward that he can no longer keep pace with the intensity of Alcaraz and Sinner.
“I’m happy with my level of tennis,” Djokovic said. “But physically, I just can’t match what they bring anymore.”
He confirmed plans to continue competing in 2026 but acknowledged that chasing the younger generation will be a challenge.
A Presidential Audience
Adding to the spectacle, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s final — a rare appearance by a sitting U.S. president at a tennis match.
Alcaraz shrugged off the added attention: “For me, it doesn’t change anything. It’s nice for tennis, but I’ll try not to think about it.”
Around the US Open
- Women’s singles final: Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka faces American Amanda Anisimova today.
- Women’s doubles: Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe claimed their second US Open crown in three years, beating Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova 6-4, 6-4.