After US Open 2025 glory, Carlos Alcaraz reveals regaining No. 1 ranking as his goal

Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to win the US Open and reassert his dominance of an era-defining rivalry while also displacing his opponent as the top-ranked tennis player in the world.

After a delayed start to the match due to the presence of US President Donald Trump which necessitated tighter security protocols, the 22-year-old Spaniard won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to capture his second US Open crown and sixth Grand Slam title, avenging his lone defeat in a major final by Sinner at Wimbledon in July.

‘Dream come true’

“It’s a great feeling. I was working really hard just to lift this trophy. It’s my second one [US Open title], but it’s still a dream come true. To recover the No. 1 ranking was one of my first goals when the season began. Doing it after winning a slam is even better, “ said Alcaraz, after ending Sinner’s 27-match winning run at hard court Grand Slams. The last time the Spaniard was ranked World No. 1 was in September 2023.

Sinner’s defeat at Flushing Meadows extends the longest drought without a successful men’s title defence of any Grand Slam in the Open era. No man has retained the US Open crown since Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004 to 2008.

The Italian was in a reflective mood following his loss, claiming he’ll have to alter his playing style if he is to keep pace with his rival.

“I was very predictable today. I’m going to maybe even [risk] losing some matches from now on, trying to be unpredictable, because I think that’s what I have to do to become a better tennis player,” he said.

Hungry for more

Meanwhile, Alcaraz is already relishing the prospect of playing the next Slam — the Australian Open in January — where he wants to complete a career Grand Slam (winning all four major titles).

“It [Australian Open] is the first or second tournament of the year, and it is always the main goal for me to complete a career Grand Slam,” said Alcaraz, who could break compatriot Rafael Nadal’s record of being the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam if he did so in 2026. Nadal achieved the feat in 2010, at the age of 24.

10/15

No. of times Carlos Alcaraz has beaten Jannik Sinner

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