Jannik Sinner, world number one, will play in the US Open final on Sunday against Carlos Alcaraz, in what will be his third major final of 2025 after Roland Garros and Wimbledon. With this, the Italian will play his fifth consecutive Grand Slam final, the fourth player to achieve this after Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal.
Sinner overcame Canada’s Auger-Aliassime (world No. 27) with more difficulty than expected, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in three hours and 21 minutes. After the match, Sinner downplayed the medical timeout he called after losing the second set due to abdominal discomfort: “Nothing serious. I just felt a little pull after a serve. After the treatment, I felt much better. There’s nothing to worry about. So everything is fine, I went back to serve a little bit faster again. I’m very happy. No excuses. Sunday is a very special day. Another incredible final.”
The grand final against Alcaraz
“I feel like our rivalry started here, playing an incredible match. Now we are two different players and with different confidence. We’ve played quite a bit this year. We know each other very well. Let’s see who prepares in the best way. In any case, it’s been an incredible tournament again.”
Would he have preferred an easier opponent like Federer did with Nadal?
“Yes and no. That’s what Roger said. I think we all think the same, I love these challenges. I love putting myself in these situations. He (Alcaraz) is someone who pushes me to the limit, which is great, because that’s how you get the best feedback you can have as a player. Lately, we’ve been playing each other quite a bit. Whenever we step on the court, we are aware of more things, because both he and I try to prepare the match tactically and in different ways. But sometimes it’s also nice not to play against him. It’s OK, but as I’ve always said, it’s fantastic for the sport to have rivalries and hopefully great matches ahead. And then we’ll see. I’m a person who loves these challenges, I love to put myself in these situations and see how things turn out.”
Alcaraz’s serve improvement
“He improved the service a lot. I think now he serves much better, with more speed, but the percentage is very high at all times. Much more solid, because before maybe he had more ups and downs. Now it is very constant. Also, if you see all the tournaments, he is getting very, very far. He has improved a lot, but I always say that when you are young, you know, one or two years make a big difference. I feel the same way. The service has improved. My game at the net has also improved. It’s still not where I’d like it to be, but we’re working on it. And also the movement, the physical shape is better. Before maybe it cost me a little if we played three or four sets. Now I feel good.”
His match against Felix Auger-Aliassime
“Grand Slams are the most important tournaments we have throughout the year. To be in another final here, with an incredible crowd, it doesn’t matter when you play. There’s nothing better. Today was a tough match. Obviously, I’m very happy. Maybe I saw him a little bit injured at some point. I hope it’s nothing serious. I wish him all the best. He’s an incredible player and an incredible person. It’s always a pleasure to share a match with him.”
Five consecutive Grand Slam finals
“What incredible statistics! I never thought I would achieve this when I turned professional and now I’m here. It’s amazing. The consistency and getting to the latter stages of the biggest tournaments we have is amazing.”
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