16-Year-Old Ivan Ivanov Claims US Open Crown, Nadal Cheers from Afar
A thrilling all-Bulgarian showdown concluded in triumph for Ivanov.
September 06, 2025
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Ivan Ivanov triumphs over Alexander Vasilev in straight sets to capture the US Open boys’ title.
By ATP Staff
In a riveting match on Saturday, Ivan Ivanov secured his second consecutive major title by defeating fellow Bulgarian Alexander Vasilev with scores of 7-5, 6-3.
“I played incredibly well, and our strategies really paid off. Facing Alexander in the final was special,” Ivanov remarked. “It was a complete Bulgarian showdown with a passionate crowd behind us. I’m overjoyed with this accomplishment.”
The young prodigy, aged 16, expertly converted five of his nine break points and delivered 19 impressive winners, sealing the victory in just 74 minutes. As the top seed, he faced four break points, saving two against his fifth-seeded opponent.
“He picked up the pace and put more pressure on me, and I felt that intensity,” Ivanov reflected. “I aimed to keep those moments brief, which I successfully managed. At 5-all, I broke back and held my serve, which was crucial.”
With this victory, Ivanov joins the elite ranks of players who have claimed both the Wimbledon and US Open titles in a single season, following in the footsteps of Grigor Dimitrov and Filip Peliwo. His stunning performance propelled him to the No. 1 spot in the ITF Junior Rankings.
Training at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, Ivanov received heartfelt congratulations from the tennis legend himself.
“Congratulations, Ivan, on winning @Wimbledon & @usopen Junior 🏆!” Nadal shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Kudos to the entire @rnadalacademy team! 👏🏻👏🏻”
Congratulations Ivan on winning Wimbledon & @usopen Junior 🏆!
Congrats also to all the @rnadalacademy team! 👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/gqzkgK3Lw2
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 6, 2025
