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Carlos Alcaraz capped off a spectacular season with another milestone achievement, defeating long-time rival Jannik Sinner in the 2025 US Open final. The 22-year-old showcased his dominance at Arthur Ashe Stadium, overcoming the Italian in four sets, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, to lift his second US Open trophy and sixth Grand Slam title overall.
The match once again highlighted the budding rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner, who have now faced each other in three consecutive Grand Slam finals this year. While Sinner had bested Alcaraz at Wimbledon, the Spaniard turned the tables in New York with a commanding performance, re-establishing himself as one of the brightest stars on the ATP Tour.
Rafael Nadal’s heartfelt tribute to Alcaraz
Soon after Alcaraz’s victory, tennis legend Rafael Nadal took to social media to deliver a touching message to his young compatriot. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion himself, lauded Alcaraz’s relentless hard work and consistency throughout the season.
“Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz! Champion again 🏆 of the @usopen and number 1! Congratulations on all the work behind this great season,” Nadal wrote on his X (formerly Twitter), praising both his triumph and his return to the top of the ATP rankings.
The gesture was especially meaningful, with Rafael Nadal often described as both a mentor and an inspiration for Alcaraz, who has repeatedly credited his idol for motivating his own rise in the sport.
From rivalries to rankings: a season to remember
Beyond lifting the trophy in New York, Alcaraz also reclaimed the World No. 1 spot, ending Jannik Sinner’s 65-week reign at the summit of men’s tennis. It marked another symbolic shift in what has been a historic year for the Spaniard.
With the Grand Slam season now complete, Carlos Alcaraz finishes 2025 holding two majors – Roland Garros and the US Open – while Sinner secured victories at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Their rivalry is shaping into one of the defining narratives of modern tennis, with both men trading titles and world rankings across the season.
At just 22, Alcaraz continues to push new boundaries, blending raw athleticism with tactical maturity. Rafael Nadal’s heartfelt tribute only underscored how significant this win is for Spanish tennis, signaling the passing of the torch from one generational great to another.
As the ATP season draws to a close, all eyes will be on how Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner carry their rivalry into 2026, with Nadal watching proudly from the sidelines.
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