Sinner vs Alcaraz: Growing rivalry ready to unfold again

The Italian defending champion chases his third Grand Slam of 2025 at the US Open

- Shahid Judge

Wimbledon ended with an unexpected men’s singles champion. By no means was there a question on the player's calibre — this is world No.l Jannik Sinner after all — but because grass is the Italian's least preferred surface. And the more accomplished men on the surface, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, were in his way.

He ended up beating both.

Sinner hasa firm reputation as ahard-court specialist. And for good reason. His first three Majors came at the Australian Open (2024, 2025) and the US Open (2024). Now, as the man from South Tyrol returns to New York bidding to become the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to defend the US Open title, the question is: who can stop Sinner?

Crucially, he heads to Flushing Meadows with a “loss” registered against his name in his last match after being forced to retire due to illness in the Cincinnati Masters final against Carlos Alcaraz while down 0-5.

The 24-year-old, however, has asserted that he will be physically ready when the season's last Grand Slam begins on Sunday.

“Physically I feel good,” he said at his pre-tournament press conference. “Ihave recovered mostly, not 100% yet, but we are aiming to be there in a couple of days. So, should be all fine for the tournament.”

Sinner boasts a 2l-match unbeaten run in hard court Grand Slams.