By Boluwatife Kehinde
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has described his upcoming US Open final clash with Carlos Alcaraz as a “special” occasion, as the two young rivals prepare to renew their gripping rivalry on Sunday in New York.
The 24-year-old Italian powered into his fifth straight Grand Slam final after defeating Félix Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals.
Sinner’s journey to the championship match has been marked by dominance in the early rounds, a masterful serving display to dismiss compatriot Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals, and a resilient four-set victory over Auger-Aliassime.
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Reflecting on his run, Sinner credited consistency for his success. “I think five straight Grand Slam finals, it’s something great. The consistency and putting myself there in the later stages of the biggest tournaments we have, it’s amazing,” he said. “I would have never thought that I would make this when I turned pro, and now I find myself here.”
Sunday’s final carries added significance, as Sinner’s world No. 1 ranking will be on the line when he faces Alcaraz in their third consecutive Grand Slam final.
The pair’s rivalry has already produced some of the sport’s most memorable battles: Alcaraz outlasted Sinner in a five-set epic at Roland Garros earlier this year, while Sinner responded with a composed four-set triumph at Wimbledon.
Their rivalry first ignited at the 2022 US Open quarterfinals in a thrilling five-set duel, and both players believe their games have evolved since then. “Sunday is a very special day and an amazing final again,” Sinner said.
“I feel like our rivalry started here playing an amazing match. We are two different players now, with different confidence too.”
Sinner, who has already lifted the Australian Open and Wimbledon trophies in 2025, is bidding for his fifth Grand Slam title overall and his second straight US Open crown.
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Much of his dominance has been built on an impressive streak of 27 consecutive Grand Slam wins on hard courts.
In the women’s draw, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will also return to the final, where she faces Amanda Anisimova in a bid to retain her crown.
