Boluwatife Kehinde
Carlos Alcaraz has returned to the summit of men’s tennis, reclaiming the World No. 1 ranking for the first time since 2023 after a commanding triumph at the 2025 US Open.
The Spaniard sealed his second title in New York with a hard-fought victory over his rival Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s final, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in a match that showcased both intensity and brilliance. With this triumph, Alcaraz not only reaffirmed his dominance but also ended Sinner’s reign at the top of the PIF ATP Rankings.
Alcaraz’s journey to the championship was one of pure dominance. He stormed through the early rounds, dispatching Reilly Opelka, Mattia Bellucci, and Luciano Darderi in straight sets.
His form never wavered as he brushed aside Arthur Rinderknech and Jiří Lehečka with similar ease. The semifinal proved his most impressive performance of the tournament, as he outplayed Novak Djokovic 6–4, 7–6, 6–2, underlining his ability to rise to the occasion against one of the sport’s greatest champions.
For Jannik Sinner, the defeat marked the end of a historic reign. The Italian had reached World No. 1 on 10 June 2024, becoming the first from his country to achieve the feat. He held the position for 65 consecutive weeks, the fourth-longest debut reign in tennis history, behind Roger Federer’s 237 weeks, Jimmy Connors’ 160, and Lleyton Hewitt’s 75.
Despite the setback, Sinner continues to be hailed as one of the fiercest competitors of his generation, a view
Alcaraz himself echoed with warm words of respect. “It’s unbelievable what you’re doing the whole season,” Alcaraz said after the final. “I see you more than my family—it’s great to share the court, the locker room, everything with you.”
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, capped not only by his US Open glory but also his dramatic victory over Sinner in the French Open final on June 8.
That clash, lasting five hours and twenty-nine minutes, was the longest men’s final in Roland Garros history and saw Alcaraz rally from two sets down to clinch his first French Open crown. With Six Grand Slam titles to his name, Alcaraz has firmly etched himself into tennis history, embodying the future of the sport.
