Alcaraz leaves rival Sinner rethinking strategy
NEW YORK—Whether he was using feathery drop shots, finely cutting slices or lunging to the net, Carlos Alcaraz captured the essence of why he is not just world No. 1 again—but also a player without a ceiling.
With a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 win at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, Alcaraz reclaimed his US Open crown, dethroned Jannik Sinner and widened the gap between himself and the only man who’s come close to matching him over the past two seasons.
“I feel like I can do everything on court,” Alcaraz said. “Slices, drop shots, topspin, flat. I just trust in my physical conditions. I feel like I can reach every ball—and that gives me the confidence to play with variety.”
Against Sinner, that variety wasn’t just flair. It was strategy. The Spaniard’s relentless unpredictability—transitioning from heavy baseline topspin to sudden net rushes, mixing in off-pace slices with full-throttle forehands—kept the defending champion constantly off balance. And when the match tightened late in the fourth set, it was Alcaraz who raised his level and imposed his rhythm.
Sinner admitted as much in defeat.
“I was too predictable in my play today,” said the 24-year-old Italian. “Carlos was doing everything slightly better—especially on serve. He handled the situation better than I did.”
The first game told the story. Alcaraz uncorked two thunderous forehands that sent Sinner scrambling, then followed with a backhand half-volley and a full-stretch forehand flick. The Spaniard wasn’t just feeling his shots—he was announcing his intent.
Alcaraz’s forehand was the centerpiece, producing eight winners in the first set alone. But it wasn’t just the power. The 22-year-old manipulated the shot in all directions, interspersing rally heavies with deft drop shots and the now-trademark fake drop that turns into a forehand slice.
The difference was evident in the numbers. Alcaraz converted 5 of 11 break points and finished with a first-serve percentage near 70%. Sinner landed just 48% of his first serves and didn’t attempt a single serve-and-volley—something he acknowledged he may need to change if he wants to reverse the rivalry.
