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Sinner vs Alcaraz in the US Open final: schedule and where to watch live

Us Open
Foto: Us Open - Foto: X.com/ Us Open

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, face off this Sunday, September 7, at 2:00 PM (Brasilia time), in the US Open 2025 final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Broadcast live on ESPN, Sportv3, and Disney+, the match marks their third consecutive Grand Slam final, a first in the Open Era. Beyond the trophy, the clash determines the ATP world No. 1, with Sinner defending his position and Alcaraz aiming to reclaim it. Their rivalry, dominating the circuit, promises an intense duel, with both showcasing remarkable campaigns. Sinner has won 27 straight Slam matches on hard courts, while Alcaraz hasn’t dropped a set in the tournament. The final symbolizes the peak of a new era in men’s tennis.

Their journey to the final underscores their dominance. Sinner, the defending champion, overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals, while Alcaraz dispatched Novak Djokovic convincingly. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 9-5.

  • Key final highlights:
  • Third consecutive Grand Slam final between Sinner and Alcaraz.
  • Battle for the ATP No. 1 ranking.
  • Sinner seeks third Slam title in 2025; Alcaraz, his sixth overall.
  • Live broadcast across multiple platforms.

Road to the final

Sinner, 24, reaches the US Open final as the youngest player to contest all four Grand Slam finals in a season in the Open Era, a feat previously achieved only by Rod Laver, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. The Italian won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2025 but fell to Alcaraz at Roland Garros. In the semifinals, he faced challenges against Auger-Aliassime, winning 3-1 (6/1, 3/6, 6/3, 6/4) despite serving issues and a minor abdominal injury treated during the match. His campaign reinforces his consistency on hard courts, with 27 consecutive Slam wins on the surface.

Alcaraz, 22, has been flawless, not dropping a set. In the semifinals, he defeated Djokovic 3-0 (6/4, 7/6, 6/2), marking his first hard-court win over the Serb. The Spaniard, US Open champion in 2022, displays confidence and physical prowess with an aggressive style that challenges opponents. His run included victories over Jiri Lehecka and other strong players, cementing his status as a co-favorite with Sinner.

Historic rivalry

The Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry is the biggest storyline in tennis today. Since 2024, they have claimed all eight Grand Slam titles, a dominance akin to Federer and Nadal from 2005-07. In 2025, they met in four finals, including Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and two Masters 1000 events (Rome and Cincinnati). Alcaraz holds a 3-1 edge, with Sinner retiring in the Cincinnati final due to physical issues.

  • Key moments in their rivalry:
  • Roland Garros 2025: Alcaraz won 3-2, saving three match points.
  • Wimbledon 2025: Sinner won 3-1 (4/6, 6/4, 6/4, 6/4).
  • Cincinnati 2025: Alcaraz won after Sinner’s retirement in the first set.
  • Rome 2025: Alcaraz took the title in two sets.

This string of high-stakes clashes heightens anticipation for the US Open, with both players excelling on hard courts and aiming to solidify their dominance.

Impact on world rankings

The final’s outcome will decide the ATP No. 1 ranking on September 8. Sinner, leader since June 2024, needs the title to stay on top. Alcaraz, No. 1 in 2022 after his US Open win, can reclaim the spot with a victory. The champion will earn $5 million (about R$27 million), while the runner-up takes $2.5 million, record prizes for the tournament.

The ranking battle reflects their tight competition. Sinner has held No. 1 for 54 consecutive weeks, the fourth-longest initial streak in ATP history. Alcaraz has six titles in 2025, including three Masters 1000 and Roland Garros. The US Open final is another chapter in their fight for supremacy.

Hard-court performance

The US Open’s hard courts suit both players, but Sinner boasts an exceptional record. His 27 straight Slam wins on hard courts match Djokovic’s 2011-12 run and trail only Federer’s 40 (2005-08). The Italian blends precise serving with solid defense, while Alcaraz relies on aggression and versatility, with few unforced errors.

  • Player stats at US Open 2025:
  • Sinner: 27 consecutive hard-court Slam wins; dropped two sets.
  • Alcaraz: No sets lost; only two service breaks conceded in six matches.
  • Head-to-head: Alcaraz leads 9-5.
  • Slam titles: Sinner has 4; Alcaraz, 5.

The final promises technical balance, with contrasting styles: Sinner’s methodical play versus Alcaraz’s creative shot-making.

Fan anticipation and broadcast

The US Open 2025 final draws global attention, with celebrities and public figures, including former US President Donald Trump, noted by Alcaraz as boosting the sport’s visibility. The 23,000-capacity Arthur Ashe Stadium expects a packed crowd for a potentially lengthy match, with Betfair odds slightly favoring Sinner but acknowledging Alcaraz’s stellar form.

Brazilian viewers can watch live at 2:00 PM:

  • Channels: ESPN2 and Sportv3.
  • Streaming: Disney+ with full coverage.
  • Real-time updates: Sites like ge.globo.com.

Expert reactions and analysis

Coaches and former players praise the rivalry’s quality. Patrick Mouratoglou, a renowned coach, said Sinner and Alcaraz surpass the peak levels of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. Djokovic, defeated by Alcaraz, acknowledged their superiority but vowed to compete in 2026.

Sinner’s semifinal against Auger-Aliassime showed resilience, facing ten break points and requiring medical attention. Alcaraz, meanwhile, impresses with consistency, not dropping a set and dominating Djokovic, who struggled physically.

  • Factors that could decide the final:
  • Physical condition: Sinner overcame an abdominal issue; Alcaraz is in top form.
  • Serve: Sinner struggled in the semifinal, while Alcaraz maintains high efficiency.
  • Mentality: Alcaraz has the head-to-head edge, but Sinner triumphed at Wimbledon.

New generation’s legacy

The US Open 2025 final cements the transition in men’s tennis. With Djokovic, 38, titleless in 2025 Slams, and Nadal and Federer absent, Sinner and Alcaraz take center stage. Their sweep of Majors since 2024 suggests a lasting dominance. Sinner, with 20 career titles, and Alcaraz, with 22, rank among the sport’s recent greats.

The duel marks the first time in the Open Era that two players contest three Grand Slam finals in one season, elevating their rivalry to legendary status. The US Open final is not just about the title but about cementing a new era in tennis.