Carlos Alcaraz hailed his performance as “brilliant” and at his “best level ever” after defeating Jannik Sinner to win a second US Open title and reclaim the world No. 1 ranking in New York on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Spaniard overpowered his rival 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, sealing his sixth Grand Slam title — the youngest man since Bjorn Borg to reach that milestone.
“I Played Perfect” – Alcaraz on His Performance
Speaking courtside to Sky Sports’ Laura Robson, Alcaraz underlined the completeness of his fortnight:
“In general, I think it has been my best level during the two weeks. Since the first match until the final I’ve been playing great tennis. I didn’t lose focus at all. With the serve, I was really sharp — broken just three times in the whole tournament, once in the final. I just played amazing tennis.”
On overcoming Sinner, his long-time rival, Alcaraz was emphatic:
“Against Jannik I have to be perfect. Today, I was brilliant. To beat him on the biggest stage, I have to be brilliant, and I’m really happy about that.”
Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero echoed the sentiment, describing the display as “perfect” — a verdict Alcaraz fully embraced.
“He’s right. I think I played perfectly. This is the best tournament of my career so far.”
Sinner: “I Need to Be More Unpredictable”
For Sinner, the defeat marked his second Grand Slam final loss of the year after winning Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Reflecting with honesty, the Italian admitted a need to evolve:
“I was very predictable today. Now it’s on me to make changes, to be a bit more unpredictable as a player if I want to become better.”
Despite the disappointment, Sinner put his season into perspective:
“I’m still proud — four Grand Slam finals this year, two titles, two finals lost. It’s an incredible season.”
Expert Verdicts
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman praised Alcaraz’s evolution, especially on serve:
“He took his game to a new level. His serving was just so powerful, hitting the spots, and in the rallies he was explosive and aggressive. I’ve never seen him serve that big and so well. Alcaraz deserves all the plaudits.”
Alcaraz’s victory not only ended Sinner’s reign at Flushing Meadows but also reignited their growing rivalry — one built on mutual respect yet defined by battles at the sport’s highest level. With both men still under 25, tennis may only be witnessing the beginning of a golden era.
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