The stage is set for a monumental showdown at the 2025 US Open, as world No. 1 Jannik Sinner prepares to face No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles final.
This marks their third consecutive Grand Slam final meeting this season, a historic feat in men’s tennis.
Sinner, who advanced to the final after a four-set victory over Félix Auger-Aliassime, expressed his anticipation for the upcoming match.
“I love these challenges. I love to put myself in these positions,” Sinner remarked.
“He’s someone who pushes me to the limit, which is great, because then you have the best feedback you can have as a player.”
He acknowledged the evolving dynamics of their rivalry, noting, “We’ve faced each other quite a lot lately, so things are getting a little bit different.”
Sinner emphasized the importance of such rivalries in elevating the sport, stating, “Always when we step on court, we are aware of more things, because he or me, we try to prepare the match tactically and in different ways.
“But sometimes it’s also nice to not play against him. It’s nice, but as I always said, it’s great for the sport having rivalries, having hopefully great matches in front of us.”
A rivalry that defines an era
The Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry has quickly become one of the most compelling narratives in modern tennis.
Both players have dominated the Grand Slam scene, with each securing multiple titles this year.
Their consistent performances and head-to-head battles have captivated fans and analysts alike, drawing comparisons to the legendary rivalries of the past.
Looking ahead to the final, Sinner remains focused and confident. “I just felt a small twitching after a serve at 4-3 in the second set,” he explained, regarding a brief injury scare during his semifinal match against Auger-Aliassime.
“After the treatment, I was feeling much, much better. At some point I didn’t feel anything anymore. I was serving back to normal pace, so it was all good. Nothing to worry about. I preferred to go off court just to be cautious, but it’s all good.”
With both players in top form, the upcoming final is poised to be another classic chapter in their burgeoning rivalry.
As Sinner aptly put it, the challenges presented by facing Alcaraz are opportunities to push the boundaries of his own game, promising a thrilling encounter for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
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