NEW YORK — While it might not seem logical to skip the buildup and jump straight to the much-anticipated showdown for the men’s championship between Jannik Sinner—provided he’s fit—and Carlos Alcaraz on September 7, it’s an idea that has its appeal.
But who could blame you for thinking that?
“We know,” acknowledged Novak Djokovic, “that they’re the formidable duo at the moment.”
As singles competition kicks off this Sunday at Flushing Meadows—earlier than the usual Monday start—there’s plenty of chatter around potential contenders for the women’s final. The top three players—No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 2 Iga Swiatek, and No. 3 Coco Gauff—are the reigning champions of the last three U.S. Open titles. Other familiar faces like Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina have shown promise lately; perhaps we’ll witness a new star rise.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have claimed the last seven Grand Slam titles.
In the men’s scene, there’s virtually just one narrative: the phenomenon known as “Sincaraz,” a playful blend of the top-ranked Sinner and Alcaraz, who together have pocketed seven consecutive Grand Slam trophies and nine of the last twelve.
Djokovic has claimed the other three titles during this period.
In stark contrast, the women’s circuit showcases a broader competition. The last five Grand Slams have been taken home by five different players: Swiatek (Wimbledon in July), Gauff (French Open in June), Madison Keys (Australian Open in January), Sabalenka (last year’s U.S. Open), and Barbora Krejcikova (last year’s Wimbledon).
‘Sincaraz’ stands apart as the U.S. Open commences.
“Sinner and Alcaraz,” remarked Marcos Giron, an American ranked 37th who has faced both, “are showcasing an extraordinary level of play, week after week.”
Examine the ATP rankings; either could emerge as the leader following the U.S. Open. Take a look at their titles, and recall the last two Grand Slam finals, with Alcaraz staging a stunning comeback from two sets down to clinch the French Open in June, followed by Sinner’s victory in four sets at Wimbledon in July. At the recent Masters 1000 event, the Cincinnati Open, Sinner reached the final without dropping a set but had to retire due to illness, handing the trophy to Alcaraz.
This unfortunate exit ended Sinner’s impressive 26-match winning streak on hard courts, a streak that Alcaraz had previously interrupted. Alcaraz, meanwhile, secured his tour-leading sixth title this season and has triumphed in 39 of his last 41 matches.
Since Sinner returned in May from a three-month doping ban, Cincinnati marked the fourth event they both contested—and they clashed in title deciders at all four.
What fuels the excellence of No. 1 Sinner and No. 2 Alcaraz?
They strike the ball with unparalleled force. Sinner’s returns contend with Djokovic’s for the title of best in the sport, while Alcaraz’s drop shots are unmatched. The athletic prowess displayed by both is astounding; Alcaraz may be the fastest player on tour, while Sinner’s reach with those long limbs is extraordinary.
What makes them stand out from their peers?
“Their confidence, striking ability, and nearly perfect movement,” commented Sam Querrey, a former semifinalist at Wimbledon and quarterfinalist at the U.S. Open. “It feels like they add an extra bit of force when it truly counts.”
This leaves other elite contenders, like 22-year-old American Ben Shelton, teetering on the edge in major tournaments.
Shelton’s 2025 Grand Slam journey includes near-misses against Sinner at the Australian Open, Alcaraz at the French Open, and Sinner again at Wimbledon.
“It’s frustrating,” Shelton shared. “Two incredibly different players present unique challenges.”
How significant is the burgeoning rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner as the U.S. Open approaches?
The dataset may be limited, but these two have been delivering electrifying rallies and thrilling encounters reminiscent of the legendary rivalries of Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, or Nadal vs. Djokovic.
“The rivalry is palpable. It exists,” remarked Darren Cahill, one of Sinner’s coaches. “And hopefully, this dynamic will endure for the next decade or so.”
Unsure? Dive into YouTube and cherish the breathtaking matches between Alcaraz and Sinner, whether at Roland-Garros this year, the U.S. Open in 2022, or in any of their captivating 14 encounters (with Alcaraz holding a 9-5 lead).
“Every point, every game must be earned. He makes you endure from the very first point to the last ball,” Alcaraz noted, reflecting on their matches. “It’s incredibly challenging to identify weaknesses in his game.”
“In our clashes, we strive,” said the Italian, Sinner, “to challenge each other to our limits.”
