Sinner vs. Alcaraz, Episode Three: “I’m someone who loves these challenges”
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will face each other for the fifth time in 2025, and for the third consecutive time in a Grand Slam final.
Jannik Sinner, US Open 2025 – © Zuma / Psnewz
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz keep crossing paths! For the fifth time in 2025, and the third time in a Grand Slam final, the two best players in the world will face each other on Sunday in New York. For the first time since 1964, a duo will have played three major finals in the same season.
“But sometimes, it’s also nice not to play against him,” Jannik Sinner said with a smile at the press conference after his four-set victory over Félix Auger-Aliassime in the US Open semi-final. The Italian has lost three of their four matches against his Spanish rival this season, including one by retirement in the Cincinnati final. But he won their last Grand Slam final, at Wimbledon.
Despite the ultimate challenge posed by Carlos Alcaraz, who leads their head-to-head 9-5, Sinner explained that this rivalry is very beneficial for tennis, and for them personally. This is the second time the two players will meet at the US Open. The Murcian had won in 2022, saving a match point in the process.
Two Major Stakes for an Exciting Final
“I love these challenges. I love putting myself in these kinds of situations. He’s someone who has always pushed me to my limits, which is great because it brings out the best possible version of me as a player. Lately, we’ve faced each other quite often. Every time we step on the court, we’re more aware of certain things, as both of us try to prepare for the match tactically and in different ways,” Sinner said.
“As I’ve always said, it’s fantastic for the sport to have rivalries and, hopefully, some great matches to come. Then we’ll see. I’m someone who loves these challenges, I love putting myself in these situations, and seeing how things unfold.”
The US Open final carries two major stakes. Jannik Sinner can equal Carlos Alcaraz by winning his fifth Grand Slam title, or the Spaniard can pull two titles ahead with his sixth major. And the winner will be the world No. 1 in the next ATP ranking. A true clash of the titans that the entire tennis world is eagerly awaiting.
