Alcaraz shines, wins US Open, earns $5.4 million, and returns to ATP No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 3 sets to 1 in the US Open 2025 final in New York on Sunday, September 7, securing his second tournament title and a $5.4 million prize, while reclaiming the ATP No. 1 ranking. With set scores of 6/2, 3/6, 6/1, and 6/4 in a 2-hour-42-minute match, the 22-year-old Spaniard showcased aggressive tennis, overcoming the Italian in a duel that decided the world’s top rank. The match at Arthur Ashe Stadium was delayed by 30 minutes due to enhanced security for U.S. President Donald Trump’s attendance. Alcaraz, who didn’t drop a set until the final, celebrated his sixth Grand Slam title, solidifying his rivalry with Sinner, with whom he split the four 2025 Majors. The $5.4 million prize matches the record amount awarded to Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s tournament on the same day.

The victory underscores Alcaraz’s rise as a tennis superstar. He reached the final without losing a set, including a standout win over Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. Sinner, aiming for a consecutive US Open title, struggled to maintain momentum after a competitive second set.

• Final highlights:
• Alcaraz broke Sinner’s serve in the first game, setting the tone.
• Sinner won the second set 6/3, but faded in the third.
• The Spaniard sealed the fourth set with a key break, winning 6/4.
• $5.4 million prize, the highest in tournament history, awarded to Alcaraz.

The Arthur Ashe crowd roared for the intense rallies, in a match showcasing the dominance of tennis’s new generation.

Alcaraz’s dominance on hard courts

Carlos Alcaraz arrived at the 2025 US Open in top form, winning all matches without dropping a set until the final. His semifinal victory over Djokovic, his first against the Serb on hard courts, highlighted his tactical growth. Against Sinner, Alcaraz delivered 42 winners and only 8 unforced errors in the third set, per ATP data. The $5.4 million prize reflects the tournament’s increased purse, matching the women’s event won by Sabalenka.

The Spaniard excelled on the fast surface, extending rallies to wear down Sinner, who prefers quick points. A crucial break in the fifth game of the fourth set sealed the title and the $5.4 million prize.

• Match stats:
• Alcaraz: 42 winners, 4 service breaks, 8 unforced errors in the third set.
• Sinner: 21 winners, 1 service break, 12 unforced errors in the fourth set.
• Prize: $5.4 million, a record shared with the women’s tournament.

poppin' bottles with Carlos Alcaraz! 🍾 pic.twitter.com/NlDyrK6CzK

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2025

Rivalry shaping modern tennis

The 2025 US Open final marked the 15th clash between Alcaraz and Sinner, with Alcaraz now leading 10-5. In Grand Slams, they are tied at 3-3 across six meetings. In 2025, they split the four Majors: Sinner won the Australian Open and Wimbledon, while Alcaraz claimed Roland Garros and the US Open. This dominance is unprecedented in the Open Era, which began in 1968, as they monopolized Major finals.

Their rivalry echoes historic duels like Federer vs. Nadal but with distinct styles. Alcaraz blends power and versatility, while Sinner relies on consistency and strong serving. The 2022 US Open quarterfinal, ending at 2:52 a.m., remains a benchmark for their intensity.

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• 2025 matchups:
• Roland Garros: Alcaraz 3-2 Sinner.
• Wimbledon: Sinner 3-1 Alcaraz.
• Cincinnati Masters 1000: Alcaraz won via Sinner’s withdrawal.
• US Open: Alcaraz 3-1 Sinner, with $5.4 million prize.

Return to ATP No. 1

Alcaraz’s victory not only secured the US Open title but also the ATP No. 1 ranking, with 11,540 points, overtaking Sinner’s 10,780. The Spaniard, the youngest No. 1 in history in 2022 at 19, ended Sinner’s 65-week reign at the top. The 760-point gap reflects their tight competition, with both nearly doubling the points of third-placed Alexander Zverev (5,930 points).

The $5.4 million prize amplifies the financial impact of the title, cementing Alcaraz as the youngest player to win six Grand Slams in the Open Era. His 36 weeks as No. 1 rank fifth among active players.

• Ranking changes:
• Alcaraz: 11,540 points, new No. 1, $5.4 million prize.
• Sinner: 10,780 points, now No. 2.
• Zverev: 5,930 points, holds third place.

Celebrities and enhanced security

The 2025 US Open final drew attention beyond tennis, with U.S. President Donald Trump in attendance alongside figures like Pam Bondi and Jared Kushner. His presence, the first by a president at a US Open final since Bill Clinton in 2000, delayed the match by 30 minutes due to heightened security. Fans faced stricter screenings, but the 20,000-plus crowd at Arthur Ashe remained electric.

Celebrities like Jon Bon Jovi, Danny DeVito, and Stephen Curry added star power. The closed roof, due to bad weather, didn’t dampen the spectacle of the match.

• Event highlights:
• 30-minute delay due to security measures.
• Trump’s attendance, met with applause and boos.
• $5.4 million prize awarded to Alcaraz.
• Over 20,000 fans at Arthur Ashe.

New era in men’s tennis

Alcaraz’s 2025 US Open win, with a $5.4 million prize, cements the shift to a new tennis generation. Since Djokovic’s last Major win at the 2023 US Open, only Alcaraz and Sinner have claimed Grand Slam titles. The 2025 final was the sixth in history where a Major title also decided the No. 1 ranking, underscoring its significance.

At 22, Alcaraz has six Grand Slams, while Sinner, 24, has three. Their rivalry, marked by mutual respect, is set to define tennis for years. Alcaraz’s post-match praise for Sinner and his team highlighted their sportsmanship.

• Grand Slams since 2023:
• 2023: Djokovic (Australian Open, Roland Garros, US Open), Alcaraz (Wimbledon).
• 2024: Sinner (Australian Open, US Open), Alcaraz (Roland Garros, Wimbledon).
• 2025: Sinner (Australian Open, Wimbledon), Alcaraz (Roland Garros, US Open, $5.4M).