Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka both won their second US Open titles over the weekend as the final Grand Slam tournament of the year came to a close.
Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in their third major finals matchup of the year. He defeated the Italian at the French Open but suffered his first ever major final defeat at Wimbledon. The Spaniard won each of his first six US Open rounds in straight sets, the first to do so since Federer in 2015.
Sinner looked lethal in the opening game, but Alcaraz came back in stunning fashion and finished with a break point. Sinner was finally able to respond and win the third game but couldn’t fight off Alcaraz, who won the first set 6-2.
In the second set, Sinner clawed his way back with the help of a break point and some acrobatic plays to level the final with a 6-3 win. It was the only set he’d take and the only one faced by Alcaraz, who won the next two 6-1 and 6-4.
In his third championship point of the final, Alcaraz beat Sinner on the backhand. The two congratulated each other with a smile and warm words before Alcaraz went to salute the star-studded crowd.
In the women’s final, Sabalenka defended her 2024 win and #1 ranking in straight sets over Amanda Anisimova. It was the first time since Serena Williams in 2014 that a women’s singles player defended a US Open title.
The #8 ranked Anisimova fought bravely in the opening game to force three game points but couldn’t hold off Sabalenka. After going down 2-0 the American fought back with three straight games won before Sabalenka took the next four to claim the set 6-3.
Up 5-4 in the second set, Sabalenka missed an overhead shot that would have set up championship point. Anisimova won the next point to take the game and went on to take a 6-5 lead. Sabalenka answered 50-15 to force a tiebreak and avoid a third set.
The defending champion was fierce in the finale, taking a 6-1 tiebreak lead. Anisimova survived two championship break points, but on her third attempt Sabalenka secured US Open glory.
The finals were fitting finishes to a thrilling tournament in Queens and a fascinating Grand Slam circuit. Time will tell if either Alcaraz or Sabalenka can claim a third US Open title in 2026.
