Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to claim the 2025 US Open title, as former US President Donald Trump drew a mix of boos and cheers from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
The 22-year-old Spaniard prevailed 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to secure his second US Open crown and sixth Grand Slam title overall, avenging his only major final defeat — a loss to Sinner at Wimbledon in July.
With the victory, Alcaraz ends Sinner’s 27-match winning streak on hard courts at Grand Slam tournaments and reclaims the world No. 1 ranking for the first time since September 2023.
“I tried my best today. I couldn’t do more,” said Sinner, who also fell to Alcaraz in an epic French Open final in June.
Sinner’s exit also extends a notable record: no man has successfully defended the US Open title since Roger Federer’s five-year reign from 2004 to 2008 — the longest such drought at any Grand Slam in the Open era.
Trump’s appearance delays final, draws reactions
The final began 30 minutes later than scheduled due to heightened security measures prompted by Trump’s attendance. The former president, fresh off appearances at the Super Bowl and FIFA Club World Cup final earlier this year, entered the stadium shortly before the national anthem, waving to fans as he was met with a chorus of boos and scattered applause.
Later in the match, when shown on the big screen, Trump received an even chillier reception from the crowd.
Among the 23,000 in attendance were high-profile celebrities including Bruce Springsteen, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Douglas, and NBA superstar Stephen Curry. Despite the glittering guest list, the stadium was only about three-quarters full when Alcaraz broke Sinner in the opening game.
The match itself delivered on the hype, marking the third consecutive Grand Slam final between the sport’s top two players.
Alcaraz took control early, breaking Sinner twice in the opening set and serving it out to love. Sinner rallied in the second set, breaking Alcaraz for a 3-1 lead and leveling the match at one set apiece.
But Alcaraz quickly regained the momentum, firing off a sensational baseline smash to help break early in the third. He maintained his dominance, breaking again to close out the set, and applying early pressure again in the fourth.
Though Sinner saved two break points early in the final set, Alcaraz struck again in the fifth game and never looked back, sealing victory to become just the fourth man in history to win multiple Grand Slam titles on hard courts, clay, and grass.
Recent US Open men’s champions
- 2025: Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
- 2024: Jannik Sinner (ITA)
- 2023: Novak Djokovic (SRB)
- 2022: Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
- 2021: Daniil Medvedev (RUS)
- 2020: Dominic Thiem (AUT)
- 2019: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
- 2018: Novak Djokovic (SRB)
- 2017: Rafael Nadal (ESP)
- 2016: Stan Wawrinka (SUI)
Sabalenka defends US Open title, overcomes Anisimova
A day earlier, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka powered past Amanda Anisimova to retain her US Open women’s singles title, defeating the American 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) in a dominant display.
The 27-year-old Belarusian claimed her fourth Grand Slam title and became the first woman to successfully defend the US Open since Serena Williams in 2014.
“It’s crazy. All those tough lessons were worth it for this one. I’m speechless right now,” said Sabalenka, who had suffered heartbreaking defeats in the Australian and French Open finals earlier this year.
Anisimova, playing in her second Grand Slam final, came into the match hoping to complete a stunning turnaround just two months after a 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final. She had beaten Sabalenka in six of their nine previous meetings, including this year’s Wimbledon semifinal.
But Sabalenka’s experience proved decisive. She relentlessly attacked Anisimova’s weak service game and closed out the match in straight sets.
“Losing in two finals in a row is great, but also super hard,” Anisimova admitted post-match. “I think I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”
She also blamed difficult lighting under the closed roof for her struggles on serve: “I could not see the ball when I was serving. That was a huge shock to my system.”
