Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are set to face off in the US Open final after both won their semi-final matches on Friday, marking their third consecutive Grand Slam final meeting this year—a historic first in the Open era. Sinner overcame an injury scare to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime, while Alcaraz maintained a perfect record by beating Novak Djokovic without dropping a set.
Sinner secured his place with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Auger-Aliassime in a match that tested his resilience. After a dominant first set where he made only four unforced errors, Sinner faced a setback in the second set as Auger-Aliassime’s powerful serve and aggressive play leveled the match. Sinner took a medical timeout for a stomach issue but returned to win the next two sets, demonstrating mental toughness and strategic adaptability under pressure.
Auger-Aliassime, seeded 25th, delivered an impressive performance, particularly in the second set where he won 94% of his first-serve points and 100% on his second serve. Despite pushing Sinner to the limit and creating break opportunities, he couldn’t sustain his momentum, and Sinner’s consistency in key moments, including a crucial break in the third set, sealed the victory. Auger-Aliassime’s effort highlighted his potential, but Sinner’s experience in major tournaments proved decisive.
In the other semi-final, Alcaraz defeated Djokovic 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2, showcasing his dominance throughout the US Open without losing a set. Alcaraz broke Djokovic early in the first set and navigated a tight second set where Djokovic led 3-1 before Alcaraz rallied back to win the tie-break. The Spaniard’s serve and aggressive groundstrokes overwhelmed Djokovic, who showed signs of fatigue and requested treatment for his neck before the third set.
This final is historically significant as it is the first time two players have contested three Grand Slam finals in a single season. Sinner has now reached all four major finals this year, joining Rod Laver, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic in this elite achievement, while Alcaraz is aiming for his sixth Grand Slam title and second US Open crown. Their rivalry, which began with an epic quarter-final at the 2022 US Open, has evolved into a defining narrative in men’s tennis.
The head-to-head record favors Alcaraz at 9-5, including a win in their most recent meeting at the Cincinnati Open, but Sinner has the momentum from defending his Wimbledon title and is the current world number one. The final on Sunday will not only decide the US Open champion but also the top ranking, adding immense stakes to the match. Both players have acknowledged each other’s growth, with Sinner noting they are ‘two different players now’ with heightened confidence.
Fans and analysts anticipate a thrilling contest, expected to feature high-intensity rallies and strategic depth, reflecting the peak of modern tennis. The match underscores a shift in the sport’s dynamics, with Sinner and Alcaraz leading a new era of competition, reminiscent of past rivalries but with unique styles and athleticism. As the tennis world watches, this showdown promises to be a classic chapter in their ongoing saga.