CARLOS ALCARAZ BEATS RIVAL JANNIK SINNER AT THE U.S. OPEN

Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz sealed his spot at the top of the ATP Rankings for the first time since 2023 following his triumph over arch-rival Jannik Sinner in the final of the US Open.

- AGENCIES

So maybe the first U.S. Open final between young, elite rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner wasn't as long, riveting, and dramatic as their matchup to decide the championship at the French Open. Perhaps it wasn't as seemingly meaningful and plot-driven as their showdown for the Wimbledon trophy.

Still, what the No. 2-seeded Alcaraz's 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over No. 1 Sinner on Sunday did do was significant. Alcaraz reasserted his superiority over the defending champion, wrested away the top spot in the ATP rankings, and left tennis fans eager for whenever their next clash will come.

They are the first two men in the sport's history to face each other in three consecutive Grand Slam finals within a single season.

"I'm seeing you more than my family," Alcaraz joked during the trophy ceremony, eliciting a grin from Sinner. "It's great to share the court, to share the locker rooms, everything."

This 2-hour, 42-minute win gave Alcaraz, a 22-year-old from Spain, leads over Sinner, a 24-year-old from Italy, of 10-5 in their head-to-head series, 6-4 in total Grand Slam trophies, and 2-1 in U.S. Open championships.