Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz Dominate US Open Men’s Field 2025/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As the 2025 US Open begins, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz—nicknamed “Sincaraz”—stand firmly atop the men’s tennis world. Together, they’ve won the last seven Grand Slams and show no signs of slowing. Their rivalry is being hailed as the sport’s next great era.
Sinner and Alcaraz Rivalry Quick Looks
- “Sincaraz” duo has won 7 consecutive Grand Slam titles.
- No. 1 Sinner and No. 2 Alcaraz dominate ATP rankings.
- Sinner claimed Wimbledon 2025; Alcaraz won French Open.
- US Open 2025 begins Sunday with both as heavy favorites.
- Alcaraz leads head-to-head 9–5 in thrilling matchups.
- Rivals met in 4 straight finals since May.
- Sinner’s hard-court win streak snapped after illness in Cincinnati.
- Younger players like Ben Shelton struggle to break through.
- Experts compare the rivalry to Federer vs. Nadal era.
Deep Look: “Sincaraz” Duo of Sinner and Alcaraz Set the Standard as 2025 US Open Begins
NEW YORK (AP) — With the 2025 US Open kicking off Sunday in a rare early start, tennis fans could be forgiven for already looking ahead to a seemingly inevitable men’s final: Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz.
Together, they are being hailed as “Sincaraz”—a mashup in the spirit of “Fedal” (Federer-Nadal)—and they have redefined dominance in the post-Big Three era.
“We know they’re the dominant force right now,” admitted Novak Djokovic, who remains the only other man to win a Grand Slam in the past three years.
They’ve Claimed the Last 7 Grand Slams
Since the 2023 US Open, Sinner and Alcaraz have won every men’s major title. Sinner currently holds the World No. 1 ranking, while Alcaraz sits just behind at No. 2. Collectively, they’ve taken 9 of the last 12 Grand Slam titles, with Djokovic winning the other three.
Their most recent clashes have been electric. At the 2025 French Open, Alcaraz erased a two-set deficit, saving three championship points to snatch victory. A month later at Wimbledon, Sinner responded by defeating Alcaraz in four sets to reclaim his momentum.
Sinner’s Streak Ends, But Momentum Builds
At the Cincinnati Masters, Sinner seemed destined for another title after not dropping a set en route to the final. However, illness forced him to withdraw before the championship match, handing the win to Alcaraz. That loss ended a 26-match hard-court winning streak for Sinner.
Their head-to-head record now stands at 9–5 in favor of Alcaraz, but with both players in top form, fans and pundits alike anticipate another classic showdown at Flushing Meadows.
“They’re bringing a ridiculous level, week in and week out,” said Marcos Giron, who has played both stars.
What Makes Sinner and Alcaraz So Unstoppable?
Sinner’s strengths:
- Elite two-handed backhand and laser-sharp returns, often likened to Djokovic.
- Towering reach and improved net game.
- Confidence in long rallies and baseline battles.
Alcaraz’s edge:
- Lightning-fast court coverage and unmatched drop shots.
- Powerful forehand and flexible shot selection.
- A fearless mentality in clutch moments.
“Their ball-striking and movement are basically perfect,” said former top American Sam Querrey. “They hit with just a little extra force when it matters.”
Rivalry Drawing Comparisons to Tennis Legends
Alcaraz vs. Sinner is being likened to classic rivalries like Federer vs. Nadal or Nadal vs. Djokovic. Though still in its early stages, the rivalry already boasts multiple five-set classics and highlight-reel points.
“The rivalry is real,” confirmed Darren Cahill, Sinner’s coach. “And hopefully it lasts another 10 to 12 years.”
The two have met in four tournament finals since May 2025, including at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Cincinnati, and the Rome Masters. Their matchups consistently rank among the most-watched and most replayed on YouTube and social media.
Challenges for the Rest of the Field
Players like Ben Shelton—ranked No. 6 in the world—have found themselves repeatedly stopped by the Sincaraz wall. Shelton’s 2025 Grand Slam run includes losses to Sinner in Australia and Wimbledon, and Alcaraz in Paris.
“It’s frustrating,” said Shelton. “They’re very different players but equally hard to beat.”
And they might not be slowing down anytime soon. With no signs of decline, and still only 22 (Alcaraz) and 24 (Sinner), the two could rule the sport for the next decade.
Women’s Side Offers More Variety
While the men’s draw feels like a two-horse race, the women’s field is wide open. The last five Grand Slam titles have gone to five different players:
- Iga Swiatek (Wimbledon 2025)
- Coco Gauff (French Open 2025)
- Madison Keys (Australian Open 2025)
- Aryna Sabalenka (US Open 2024)
- Barbora Krejcikova (Wimbledon 2024)
All are strong contenders this year, and several others—including Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina—could also make deep runs.
US Open Kicks Off Sunday
The tournament officially begins Sunday, August 24, deviating from the traditional Monday start. All eyes will be on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where both Sinner and Alcaraz are expected to headline opening rounds.
While it’s tempting to skip ahead to a Sincaraz final on September 7, tennis is unpredictable. But if history holds, there’s a strong chance that the next great chapter of this rivalry will be written in New York.
“We try to push each other to the limits,” Sinner said.
Alcaraz added: “He makes you suffer from the first point to the last.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.