Jannik Sinner Reaches US Open Final, To Face Rival Carlos Alcaraz/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Italy’s Jannik Sinner overcame an abdominal scare to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in the U.S. Open semifinals. He will face Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday in their third consecutive Grand Slam final this year. The match also decides the world’s No. 1 ranking.
Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime Semifinal: Quick Looks
- Sinner won 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in New York semifinal.
- Took a medical timeout for abdominal muscle issue.
- Eyes second straight US Open title and fifth straight Slam final.
- First men’s rivalry in history with three straight Slam finals in one season.
- Will face Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Novak Djokovic earlier Friday.
- Sinner leads 33 wins in last 34 Slam matches.
- Auger-Aliassime beat Zverev, De Minaur, and Rublev en route to semis.
- Sinner saved 9 of 10 break points during the match.
- President Donald Trump expected in attendance for Sunday’s final.
Deep Look: Jannik Sinner Overcomes Injury Scare to Set Up Blockbuster US Open Final With Carlos Alcaraz
NEW YORK — Defending champion Jannik Sinner pushed through an abdominal concern and a mid-match dip to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the U.S. Open semifinals Friday night. The win sets up a highly anticipated final against Carlos Alcaraz, marking the pair’s third consecutive Grand Slam title clash this season.
At 24, the top-seeded Italian is bidding to become the first man since Roger Federer’s five-title run (2004–08) to win back-to-back US Open championships. The matchup with Alcaraz will also decide the ATP world No. 1 ranking.
“It’s great for the sport having rivalries,” Sinner said. “I love to put myself in these positions and see how it goes.”
A Rivalry for the Ages
Sinner and Alcaraz, just 22, are making tennis history. Never before have two men met in three consecutive Grand Slam finals in a single season.
- Australian Open 2025: Sinner beat Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz fell short.
- French Open 2025: Alcaraz beat Sinner.
- Wimbledon 2025: Sinner gained revenge over Alcaraz.
- US Open 2025: Their rivalry resumes Sunday in Arthur Ashe Stadium, with President Donald Trump expected in the audience.
Alcaraz secured his spot earlier Friday with a straight-sets victory over Novak Djokovic, further cementing the generational shift at the top of men’s tennis.
Sinner’s Match: From Struggle to Dominance
Against Auger-Aliassime, Sinner stormed through the first set 6-1 but faltered in the second, slowed by an abdominal issue. He took a medical timeout between sets, which his coach Simone Vagnozzi later explained was crucial.
“Sometimes you’re tired, and you can’t let your opponent see that,” Vagnozzi said. “After treatment, Jannik was back to normal.”
Sinner’s service streak of 38 straight holds ended in the second set, as Auger-Aliassime grabbed momentum with powerful forehands and closed the set with a 117 mph ace.
The Canadian, seeded 25th, was chasing his first Slam final after beating Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur, and Andrey Rublev earlier in the tournament.
But Sinner regained control, blasting 11 winners to just four errors in the third set. He broke serve with an awkward but effective return, then in the fourth set fended off five break points early before sealing the match.
In total, Sinner saved 9 of 10 break points, showing the resilience that has defined his rise.
“After the treatment, I felt much better,” Sinner said. “At some point I didn’t feel anything anymore. Nothing to worry about.”
Auger-Aliassime’s Respect
Despite the loss, Auger-Aliassime credited his opponent’s dominance:
“I was going toe-to-toe at times. He’s been dominating on hard courts — but kind of everywhere.”
Sinner’s Historic Run
The victory gives Sinner his 33rd win in his past 34 Grand Slam matches, including an astonishing 27 straight wins on hard courts. It also marks his fifth straight Slam final, a feat not seen in men’s tennis since the peak of the Federer-Nadal era.
For Sunday, fans and players alike are bracing for another Sinner-Alcaraz classic — one that could define the future of tennis.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.