In an electrifying display of talent and determination, Carlos Alcaraz has taken the tennis world by storm, showcasing a level of play that has rarely been witnessed on the hard courts. The young Spaniard clinched an impressive victory at the US Open, defeating Jannik Sinner in a thrilling final that ended with a scoreline of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. Remarkably, the only set he dropped throughout the tournament was the one against Sinner, underscoring his dominance in this year’s event.
What truly set Alcaraz apart was his extraordinary serving performance, a feat that has rarely been achieved at this level. He allowed a mere ten break points throughout the entire Grand Slam, a record that rivals the greats. Both Pete Sampras and Roger Federer had previously reached similar milestones, with Sampras conceding twelve break points at the US Open in 1993 and Federer at Wimbledon in 2006. This accomplishment speaks volumes about Alcaraz’s poise and precision under pressure.
Toni Nadal, the legendary coach and uncle of Rafael Nadal, weighed in on Alcaraz’s remarkable triumph in an editorial for El País. He praised his fellow countryman, noting that not only did Carlos secure his sixth Grand Slam title, but he also thwarted Sinner’s chances of catching up with him in Grand Slam victories while putting himself firmly in contention for the year-end world No. 1 ranking. “Perhaps we didn’t see the best version of Jannik this Sunday, but I would dare to say that even if he had played at his peak, it would have been difficult for him to confront a Carlos playing at this level,” Toni asserted, highlighting the magnitude of Alcaraz’s performance.
Alcaraz’s opening set was described by Toni as one of the finest he has ever witnessed from the young star. “He played at an incredibly high speed, committing very few errors, and showed remarkable ability to change the rhythm of his shots when necessary,” he elaborated. The only moment of uncertainty for Alcaraz came in the second set, where Sinner managed to stage a comeback. However, Alcaraz quickly regained control, demonstrating not only his exceptional tennis skills but also an insatiable drive and strategic creativity that kept Sinner on the defensive.
Reflecting on their previous encounter at Wimbledon, Toni noted that Alcaraz and his coaching team learned from that match. In their earlier face-off, Alcaraz’s lack of shot variety allowed Sinner to take control. This time, however, it was Alcaraz who set the pace from the very first point, overwhelming Sinner with his intensity, shot diversity, and overall skill. The final showcased not just a victory for Alcaraz, but a clear statement of intent: he is not only a rising star but a formidable force in the world of tennis, ready to challenge for titles and reshape the sport’s landscape.
