Sinner and Alcaraz set for US Open showdown as Sabalenka defends title

THE STAGE is set for a blockbuster men’s final at the US Open, where reigning champion Jannik Sinner will face Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.

Sinner booked his place with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals, while Alcaraz toppled Novak Djokovic to reach the title match.

This final continues a growing rivalry that has now stretched across three consecutive Grand Slam finals. Sinner claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon crowns this season, while Alcaraz prevailed in an epic five-set French Open battle. 

The world No.1 ranking is also on the line in New York.

Their rivalry was ignited at Flushing Meadows in 2022 during a 5-hour, 15-minute quarter-final marathon won by Alcaraz.

“I think five straight Grand Slam finals, it's something great,” Sinner said. “The consistency and putting myself there in the later stages of the biggest tournaments we have, it's amazing.”

Reflecting on his career path, he added: “I would have never thought that I would make this when I turned pro, and now I find myself here.”

Looking ahead, he noted their varying styles. “I feel like our rivalry started here, playing an amazing match. We are two different players now, with different confidence too.”

Meanwhile, Sinner will attempt to become the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to defend the US Open crown.

Sabalenka defends her title

On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka confirmed her dominance by defending her US Open crown with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Amanda Anisimova in Saturday’s final.

It was Sabalenka’s fourth Grand Slam title, all on hard courts, and she became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win the US Open in back-to-back years.

“I knew that the hard work we put in, like, I deserved to have a Grand Slam title this season,” Sabalenka said. “When I fell, it was like truly emotions, because it means a lot to defend this title and to bring such great tennis on court. And 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.”

The world No.1 showed her resilience once again, extending her record to 19 consecutive tie-break wins in the Open Era.

Anisimova, who had beaten Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka earlier in the week, admitted conditions were difficult. “I think I didn’t fight enough for my dreams today,” she said, adding: “ I couldn’t see the ball when I was serving the whole match” due to glare from the closed roof.

Despite the disappointment, she received high praise. Martina Navratilova commented, “Amanda Anisimova has got to keep her head up high. She held her own here today and is now in the conversation at all of the Majors.”