Defending US Open champion Jannik Sinner battled through injury concerns and a spirited challenge from Felix Auger-Aliassime to book his spot in Sunday’s men’s final. The Italian world No. 1 triumphed 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, setting up a blockbuster showdown with Carlos Alcaraz.
The semifinal clash tested both Sinner’s resilience and the patience of a packed New York crowd. After cruising through the opening set, the Italian wobbled physically in the second, appearing to struggle with abdominal discomfort. Sensing opportunity, Auger-Aliassime unleashed a flurry of aces and blistering forehands, storming to take the set after winning 12 of the last 13 points.
“It was a very tough match today, but I’m obviously very happy,” Sinner admitted afterward. “Felix played so much better than when we met in Cincinnati. I had to dig deep.”
Despite a medical timeout and concerns about his serving motion, Sinner quickly regained control. Leaning on his second serve and tactical variety, he steadied his game in the third set. A crucial break for 4-2 swung momentum back in his favor, as Auger-Aliassime began to tire after two hours of high-intensity rallies.
The decisive moment came in the fourth set with scores level at 2-2. After fending off three break points in a marathon hold, Sinner immediately broke the Canadian’s serve and never looked back. He closed out the match with composed service games, raising his level when it mattered most.
While Sinner downplayed the physical issue post-match “It’s nothing too bad” his ability to lift when under pressure extended an impressive run of consistency. The 24-year-old has now reached the final of all four Grand Slams this year, joining legends Rod Laver, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic as the only men to do so in the Open Era. His semifinal victory also marked his 300th career tour-level win and stretched his unbeaten streak at hard-court majors to 27 matches.
The stage is now set for another chapter in the sport’s most gripping modern rivalry: Sinner vs. Alcaraz. The pair have split their past two Grand Slam finals, with Alcaraz saving match points to edge Sinner at Roland Garros, before the Italian struck back at Wimbledon. Their upcoming US Open clash will not only decide the trophy but also determine the year-end ATP World No. 1 ranking.
Alcaraz holds a 9-5 career head-to-head advantage and has won six of their past seven meetings, but Sinner has momentum in majors and confidence in his durability. “Our rivalry really started here in New York,” Sinner reflected. “We know each other so well. Sunday is going to be special.”
With history, pride, and the top ranking at stake, the 2025 US Open men’s final promises to be a defining moment in this new golden era of tennis.
