NEW YORK — In a thrilling comeback, Carlos Alcaraz ascended back to the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings for the first time in two years this Monday, dethroning Jannik Sinner after triumphing over him in the men’s final at the U.S. Open. Meanwhile, Amanda Anisimova surged five positions to a remarkable No. 4 in the WTA rankings, following her impressive performance as a runner-up against Aryna Sabalenka.
“Achieving the goals I set for myself at the start of the year is beyond amazing,” Alcaraz expressed after claiming his second title at Flushing Meadows, marking his sixth Grand Slam victory.
“For me,” he continued, “to realize that again … is a true dream come true.”
Alcaraz climbed back from No. 2, exchanging places with Sinner after a decisive 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday.
Sinner had held the No. 1 ranking since his debut in June 2024, enjoying a solid 65-week reign.
This marks Alcaraz’s second stint at the top; he first reached the coveted position in September 2022 at just 19 years old, making history as the youngest ATP No. 1 after winning his first major at that year’s U.S. Open. He temporarily relinquished that title in September 2023.
Alexander Zverev maintained his position at No. 3 this week, while Novak Djokovic, the legendary 24-time major champion, climbed three spots from No. 7 to No. 4 after his semifinal loss to Alcaraz.
Sabalenka ensured her reign at No. 1 by reaching the quarterfinals in New York, ultimately securing her second consecutive U.S. Open title with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Anisimova, the 24-year-old American talent.
Anisimova’s back-to-back runner-up finishes in major tournaments—having lost to Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final back in July—propelled her five spots up from No. 9, showcasing her remarkable journey from outside the top 350 after returning from a mental health hiatus last season.
Swiatek, who exited in the U.S. Open quarterfinals at the hands of Anisimova, remained strong at No. 2, closely pursued by Coco Gauff.
Jessica Pegula slid down from No. 4 to No. 7 after her semifinal exit against Sabalenka, mirroring her previous year’s downfall in the U.S. Open final to the same opponent.
Naomi Osaka, making her first Grand Slam semifinal appearance since the 2021 Australian Open, where she fell to Anisimova, leaped from No. 24 to No. 14. The four-time major champion has not seen the top 20 since January 2022.
