Carlos Alcaraz stormed past Jannik Sinner to lift his sixth Grand Slam title in Flushing Meadows, and then got a smile out of his disappointed rival. Sinner was looking to become the first man to defend his US Open crown since Roger Federer in 2008.
But the No.1 seed came up short in Sunday’s final as Alcaraz capped off a dazzling fortnight with a 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 victory. They had already made history coming into the championship match, becoming the first male pair to meet in three Major finals in a single season – and Alcaraz had a cheeky message for the runner-up.
“I want to start with Jannik. It’s unbelievable what you are doing during the whole season. Great level during every tournament you are playing. I see you more than my family!” the newly-crowned champion smiled.
“It’s great to share the court, to share the locker rooms, to share everything with you. Watching you improve every day, working really hard with your team, really great people around. So just congratulations for everything you are doing and great performance for the whole week.”
It’s been a statement fortnight for Alcaraz, who didn’t drop a set on his way to the final and ended the tournament having only been broken three times. And he credited his team and family for helping him become a better player and a better man.
The Spanish superstar continued: “My team, my family, I’m lucky. I’m really lucky to have you guys, to be honest. The hard work you are making just to make me even better, not only in the professional part but in the personal part as well, I am just really proud about the people I have around.
“Thank you very much, every achievement that I am having is because of you, is thanks to you, so this one is also yours. I just wanted to say thank you to my team.
“I am really lucky to have part of my family here as well, my brother, my uncle, my father, I love you. My mum, my little brothers who are watching at home, I love you as well. It’s great support I’m receiving from you, so thank you so much.”
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