Key Points
- Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will face off in the US Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium
- US President Donald Trump will attend the final, marking a rare appearance by a sitting president at a Grand Slam
- Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets to reach the final, ending Djokovic’s bid for a 25th Grand Slam title
- Sinner beat Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach his fourth consecutive Grand Slam final, with the winner on Sunday set to claim the world No. 1 ranking
NEW YORK: Tennis fans are in for a treat this Sunday as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner face off in the much-awaited US Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Adding to the excitement, US President Donald Trump will be in the stands to watch the match.
A White House official confirmed to AFP that President Trump, who also attended the Super Bowl and FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year, will be among the 23,000 spectators watching what many are calling the next big chapter in the growing Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry – also known as the “Sincaraz” saga.
Alcaraz outguns Djokovic in statement win
Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old second seed, delivered a masterclass on Friday, dismantling Serbian legend Novak Djokovic in straight sets — 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 — in just over two hours. The victory not only halted Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th Grand Slam, but sent a clear message: the young bull is ready to charge.
“Beating Novak is always special,” Alcaraz said, level-headed as ever after the win. “But this is just a semi-final. The real battle is still ahead.”
Sinner books his spot, joins exclusive club
Soon after, world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner joined him in the final after dispatching Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets — 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 — in a match that highlighted both his clinical precision and championship grit.
“It’s been an amazing season,” said the 24-year-old Italian, who already has an Australian Open title this year and is now only the fourth man in history, alongside Laver, Federer, and Djokovic, to reach all four Grand Slam finals in a single season.
Rivalry renewed: Sinner vs Alcaraz, Round III
This marks the third consecutive Grand Slam final this year between Sinner and Alcaraz. The Spaniard edged a titanic five-hour thriller at Roland Garros in June, before Sinner struck back on the grass of Wimbledon.
Their US Open encounter, however, carries added weight. The winner will not only walk away with the trophy, but also claim the world number one ranking.
“We’ve played each other a lot. We know each other very well,” said Sinner, recalling their legendary five-set battle at the 2022 US Open that ended at nearly 3 a.m. “But we’re different players now. Stronger. Sharper.”
Trump courts the spotlight
Trump’s upcoming courtside appearance adds a layer of spectacle to the Sunday finale. It’s rare for a sitting US president to attend a Grand Slam final, and Trump’s presence guarantees heightened security and media buzz.
“For me, playing in front of him… I will try not to think about it,” said Alcaraz. “It’s great for tennis, but I don’t want it to get in my head.”
