Carlos Alcaraz had a familiar face cheering him on as he battled Jannik Sinner in the US Open final — none other than Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The football tactician was spotted in the stands at Flushing Meadows, showing his support as Alcaraz produced a thrilling display to secure his second US Open title and reclaim the World No. 1 ranking.
Pep Guardiola in the crowd for Carlos Alcaraz’s big moment
Guardiola, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest managers, made time to watch his compatriot in action on one of the sport’s biggest stages. His presence added an extra layer of support for Alcaraz, who has become a symbol of Spain’s next sporting golden era.
Carlos Alcaraz, 22, did not disappoint his famous supporter. He outclassed Sinner with a composed yet aggressive performance, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The victory not only handed him his second US Open crown but also confirmed his return to the top of the ATP rankings, ending Jannik Sinner’s reign as World No. 1.
A star-studded US Open final
The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd was filled with global icons, underlining the magnitude of the occasion. Alongside Pep Guardiola, U.S. President Donald Trump, NBA legend Steph Curry, and Friends actress Courteney Cox were all in attendance, making the final one of the most star-studded events of the tennis calendar.
Despite the big names, all eyes were on Alcaraz and Sinner, two players who have defined the ATP Tour in recent years by dominating the Grand Slam stage. With the Spaniard reclaiming his crown in New York, the rivalry is poised to continue at the highest level.
Guardiola’s much-needed break
For Pep Guardiola, the trip to New York came at a time when Manchester City have faced a challenging start to their Premier League campaign. Following a 2-1 defeat to Brighton, City have only managed three points from their opening three games. The Spaniard’s presence at Flushing Meadows suggested he was taking a much-needed breather from football, perhaps even drawing inspiration from Carlos Alcaraz’s resilience and determination.
As Alcaraz lifted the trophy once again, the support from his famous fan only highlighted the respect and admiration he commands, not just within tennis but across the sporting world.
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