Spanish machine — and it’s not about football

From the very first match at the US Open, from the very first game he played at this year’s New York Grand Slam, it was clear that Carlos Alcaraz was on an otherworldly level. He swept aside opponents with ease.

Up until his semifinal clash with Novak Djokovic, he had lost only one service game, then one more against the Serbian, and just one in the final against the world’s best player. Without dropping a set, he reached the US Open final, where Jannik Sinner awaited. Another spectacle between the two best players on the planet was scheduled — the third straight Grand Slam final featuring the world No. 1 and No. 2.

Sinner had the chance to equal his greatest rival in Grand Slam titles and entered the final as a slight favorite, but against this version of Alcaraz, there was simply no way. Carlitos defeated Jannik 3–1 in the final, with set scores of 6–2, 3–6, 6–1, 6–4, capturing his sixth Grand Slam title and reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings.

He showed and proved that the hierarchy must change — he is now the best. He conquered New York for the second time in his career, now holding two US Opens, alongside his two Roland Garros and two Wimbledon titles. The trophy cabinet is filling up. And he’s only just begun...

Alcaraz caught his rival off guard right from the start, just as he had done in the semifinal against Djokovic. He let Sinner serve first — always the world No. 2’s preferred plan — and immediately applied pressure, breaking serve in the opening game.

He played spectacularly and stormed to the lead. His forehands were masterful, he hit several volleys that even Pete Sampras in his prime would envy, while Jannik looked helpless against the Spanish hurricane. With two breaks and flawless service games, Carlitos claimed the opening set in just 38 minutes.

Sinner broke in the fourth game of the second set, Alcaraz’s weakest stretch of the match, marking only the third time in the entire tournament that he dropped serve. The Italian quickly restored balance, leveling the match at one set apiece and denying Alcaraz a chance at an almost impossible achievement — winning the US Open without dropping a single set.

From there, it was back to square one. Just when it seemed Sinner had found his rhythm, Alcaraz brought him crashing back down to earth. The Spaniard produced one of his best — if not the best — sets of the tournament.

He broke early, and when Sinner threatened to respond at 0–30, Carlos rose to the occasion. He simply demolished his rival in the third set, adding another break and dictating play at will. Sinner, looking lost, resembled a player in the second round happy just to be on court. The Italian avoided a “bagel” by managing to win one game, but that was all.

Alcaraz led again and had the match firmly in his grasp. He had Sinner on the ropes and could have delivered a knockout blow at the start of the fourth set, but missed two break points. A little later, though, he capitalized. Another poor game from Sinner — no first serve, forehand faltering — and Alcaraz seized the break. From there, it was only a matter of holding serve until the finish line. He did just that, and after the final point, the celebrations began.