On a packed weekend of tennis action at Flushing Meadows, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were crowned champions of the US Open Tennis Championships after stunning victories.
With a host of famous faces in attendance, including US President Donald Trump, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Hollywood actors Ben Stiller, Danny DeVito, and Kevin Hart, singer Bruce Springsteen, and NBA legend Steph Curry, Alcaraz brilliantly dethroned Jannik Sinner in the men’s final to reclaim both the US Open title and the coveted status of world number one.
Earlier, defending champion Sabalenka had fended off a brave Amanda Anisimova in the women’s showpiece to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to retain the title in New York.
Alcaraz dethrones Sinner
Thanks mainly to a serving masterclass, French Open champion and second seed Alcaraz got the better of top-seeded Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Sinner in a 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 win that secured the Spaniard his sixth Grand Slam title.
And despite the growing rivalry between the two, Alcaraz paid tribute to Sinner during the trophy presentation.
“It’s unbelievable what you’re doing the whole season – great level during every tournament that you’re playing,” he said.
“I’m seeing you more than my family. It’s great to share a court, to share the locker room, to share everything with you.”
Speaking to Sky Sports’ Laura Robson after the match, 22-year-old Alcaraz had the following to say about his recent form: “In general, I think it has been my best level during the two weeks. Since the first match until the final, I think I’ve been playing great tennis.
“The focus was really, really high. I didn’t lose the focus at all in any of the matches, which I’m really happy about.
“With the serve, I’ve been really focused on it. I got broken just three times, once in the final. In general, I just played amazing tennis.”
In reference to coach Juan Carlos Ferrero describing his performance on Sunday as “perfect”, the Spanish star added: “He’s right. I think I played perfect. I played perfectly. I mean, I got to say that.
“If I want to win the US Open, if I want to beat Jannik, I have to play perfect, and I think he was right.
“I feel like this is the best tournament – since the first rounds to the end of the tournament – so far that I have ever played.
“The consistency of my level during the whole tournament has been really, really high, which I’m really proud of, because it’s something that I’ve been working on, to be really consistent.”
Sinner, for his part, lamented a sub-par showing to conclude the year’s fourth Grand Slam.
“I was very predictable [in the final],” the 24-year-old Italian admitted to the media.
“Now it’s going to be on me if I want to make changes or not … trying to be a bit more unpredictable as a player, because I think that’s what I have to do, trying to become a better tennis player.”
And although the four-set loss to his arch-rival was clearly very disappointing, Sinner insisted that perspective was key to evaluating the season.
“I’m still proud of myself, about the season I’m playing, and making … four Grand Slam finals of the year,” the new world number two pointed out.
“You know, two Grand Slams won, two times lost in the final – it’s incredible results?”
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Sabalenka overpowers Anisimova
On the women’s side, world number one Sabalenka successfully defended her title with a 6-4 7-6 win that was far more complicated that it sounds against a revitalised Anisimova, who also benefitted from a partisan home crowd.
After composing herself following wild celebrations with her team, the Belarusian stated: “I want to thank everyone who came here, who flew in to be there in my box.
“I’m going to reach a lot more finals and I don’t care where you are in the world, I want you in my box.”
Now a four-time Grand Slam champion, the 27-year-old was quizzed on what the victory meant for her in the post-match press conference.
“This one felt different,” she revealed. “It felt like I had to overcome a lot of things to get it.
“I knew that the hard work we put in, I deserved to have a Grand Slam title this season.”
Sabalenka, who appeared for media duties clutching a bottle of champagne, continued: “When I fell [to the ground after winning], it was because it means a lot to defend this title and to bring such great tennis.
“To bring the fight and be able to handle my emotions the way I did in this final, it means a lot. I’m super proud right now of myself.”
In contrast, eighth seed Anisimova was left conflicted after having already suffered a brutal 6-0 6-0 loss in the Wimbledon final almost two months ago.
“It’s been a great summer – losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard,” the American told reporters.
“I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams.
“With finals, I have a lot of nerves, and it’s something I’m trying to work on, but I wish I played more aggressive. I feel like if I fought harder, maybe I would have given myself more of a chance.”
However, in a nice touch, Sabalenka spared some warm words for the 24-year-old, saying: “I know how much it hurts.
“But trust me, the moment you’re going to win the first one – and you are going to win it – you’re going to enjoy it even more after the tough losses.”
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