Alcaraz nears perfection in US Open final win over Sinner

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Alcaraz nears perfection in US Open final win over Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain poses with his trophy after defeating Jannik Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz produced a brilliant display to overwhelm Jannik Sinner in the final – Getty Images /Clive Brunskill

Carlos Alcaraz reclaimed his position at the top of the men’s tennis pyramid with an almost-faultless US Open campaign.

It culminated in a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 win over his great rival Jannik Sinner, who was the only player capable of winning a set against the new world No 1 during the 15 days of the grand slam.

No match between them may ever live up to their French Open final thriller, but those who were able to take their seats at Arthur Ashe court will not have been left wanting.

At Wimbledon, it was Sinner who triumphed with a route-one approach and combination of a powerful serve and dominant ground strokes, but he did not look his usual self in the final at Flushing Meadows.

Alcaraz, on the other hand, delivered a near-faultless performance to claim his sixth major title at just 22 years old, in the third successive grand slam final between the pair.

When you get players of a certain quality there will always be moments that highlight reels play on repeat for years, but Sinner was far from the impassive figure that typically stalks the baseline picking off his opponents with ease.

Whether due to any lingering effects of an abdominal problem sustained in the semi-final win over Felix Auger Aliassime or something else, it was overall a one-sided contest.

“I tried my best today, I couldn’t do more,” Sinner admitted on-court.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner did not look his usual self in the final – AP/Seth Wenig

It is a credit to Sinner that even as he struggled to deal with the unpredictability of Alcaraz, he was the only player capable of winning more than a solitary game off his opponent’s serve.

There is no doubt that Sinner and Alcaraz have a hold on men’s tennis. Few would have considered any other alternative than the top two players facing each other in the final, such is the gulf between their tennis and that of those below them.

It is hard in tennis to compare across eras, but as they met in their third successive grand slam final, Alcaraz and Sinner were arguably more accomplished and successful across all surfaces than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were at the same age.

But Alcaraz and Sinner have already achieved something it took those of a generation before many years to do, and play each other in three successive finals.

“I want to start with Jannik,” Alcaraz said in his on-court interview, before making a quip that echoes a bigger truth. It’s unbelievable what you have done in the whole season. I see you more than my family.”

This match will not be considered an epic, despite the roaring atmosphere only created when the roof is shut on Arthur Ashe, with Sinner only truly competitive in one of the four sets.

Alcaraz was undoubtedly impressive, chasing down everything and even – at one moment in the first set – turning a ball that landed almost at his feet into an unplayable drop shot.

It had been Alcaraz’s serve that let him down in the Wimbledon final, but in the almost two months since, he has turned that vulnerability into a powerful weapon, winning over 80 per cent of points after landing his first serves.

Instead it was Sinner who faltered on his service games, lacking the same venom or threat of previous tournaments, and landing less than 50 per cent of his first serves.

The way Sinner celebrated saving a break point at the start of the fourth set, with a clenched fist in the air, was an insight into the monumental effort it had taken.

For a player who has been likened to a robot for his expressionless tennis, it was notable to see a raised fist in the air acknowledging the cheers that exploded around the 24,000-seater stadium.

The final game of the match became a microcosm for the narrative of the entire contest. With Alcaraz serving out for the championship, Sinner repeatedly tried to take control of the point, launching powerful shots to both sides of the court. But Alcaraz was not only equal to every ground stroke he was receiving, he was able to deliver killer forehands down the line.

Sinner is unlike every other player on the tour, and he fought back with a backhand winner of his own to save two championship points, before an Alcaraz ace secured the title.

Although Alcaraz will undoubtedly have had to work harder for other trophies, for those attending the final, it was anything but straightforward.

The build-up to the match was overshadowed by the decision by President Donald Trump to attend as a guest of tournament sponsor, Rolex.

The president might have received a mixed reception when shown on the big screen during the national anthem, but the boos were noticeably louder than the cheers when he was shown for a second time between the first and second sets.

The full security overhaul that greeted everyone coming into Arthur Ashe Stadium led to queues stretching almost back to the entrance of the Flushing Meadows complex, and left many of those who had paid thousands of dollars for a ticket stuck outside the stadium as the match started.

It was not only the supporters who were affected but the players themselves. Telegraph Sport understands that Alcaraz and Sinner, as well as their teams, had to arrive early on Sunday morning because of the additional regulations.

11:32 PM BST

The King of New York

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz kisses the trophy after defeating Italy's Jannik Sinner
Alcaraz kisses the trophy after defeating Sinner – Getty Images/Charly Triballeau

11:21 PM BST

Tim Henman reacts

“I’ve never seen Alcaraz serve like that. You think about the great servers in the game, and I now have to put Alcaraz in that category. 

“Against one of the great returners (Sinner), Alcaraz’s serve was absolutely phenomenal. He was able to hit his spots with such pace and consistency. 

“He gave Sinner so few opportunities to get into those service games, and it gave Alcaraz the opportunity to play with even more freedom, unleashing. 

“You can see the joy of that performance. It was complete.”

11:06 PM BST

Alcaraz reacts

“I want to start with Jannik – it’s unbelievable what you have done in the whole season. I see you more than my family!

“It’s great to share everything with you and watch you improve, working hard every day. Congratulations to you.

“My team, my family – I’m lucky to have you guys. You work hard to make me better and not just professionally but personally too.

“Every achievement I have is thanks to you. This one is also yours. I’m lucky to have my brother, my uncle and father – my little brother and mother are watching at home. Thank you so much.

“This is super special for me. The three weeks I spent here are a privilege. I feel at home and feel the energy and love here.”

Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with his trophy winning over Italy's Jannik Sinner
Alcaraz celebrates with the US Open trophy – Getty Images/Charly Triballeau

11:00 PM BST

Sinner reacts

“Congrats to Carlos and your whole team. There is so much hard work behind this win today and you did better than me. Congrats, this is a great moment.

“To my team, thank you for supporting and understanding me. For working hard. We all know how much dedication we put into being on this stage today. It has been an incredible season – a lot of big stages and matches throughout the season. I am super happy to share this moment with you and my family and all the people I love.

“I tried my best today. I couldn’t do any more. Thank you for the support.

“I would like to thank everyone who makes this place very special. Behind the scenes, I know how much work you put in. This has been an incredible run. And thank you to the ball kids.

“I can’t wait to come back next year. You guys [the crowd] are amazing. Seeing a packed stadium in the early matches, you make this place so special. I am very happy to stand here on the court today – we all try to make it the best show.

“See you guys next year.”

Italy's Jannik Sinner holds the runner up trophy
Sinner holds the runner-up trophy – Reuters/Mike Segar

10:55 PM BST

The Alcaraz and Sinner takeover has well and truly begun

In case you are new to the sport and don’t know who the ‘Big three’ are, it is Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal!

10:49 PM BST

Some post-final stats via Opta

  • Carlos Alcaraz has become just the third player in the Open Era to win multiple men’s singles titles at the US Open before turning 23, after John McEnroe and Pete Sampras.
  • In the Open Era, only Bjorn Borg (7) has claimed more men’s singles titles at grand slams before turning 23 than Alcaraz (6), who has now equalled Rafael Nadal.
  • Since the US Open’s switch to hard court in 1978, Alcaraz is now the first player to win multiple grand slam titles on all three surfaces before turning 23.
  • Alcaraz (22 years 111 days) is now the youngest player in the Open Era to defeat multiple reigning men’s singles champions in grand slam finals, and the first to achieve the feat overall since Novak Djokovic in 2011.
  • Since 1973, Alcaraz has become just the second player to defeat the world No 1 in multiple grand slam finals in a season after Nadal, who defeated Roger Federer at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2008. 
arlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after winning match point to defeat Jannik Sinner of Italy
Alcaraz – a generational talent – Getty Images/Clive Brunskill

10:43 PM BST

Alcaraz is the new world No 1

With victory, Alcaraz overtakes Sinner to reclaim No 1 spot in the ATP Rankings for the first time since 2023.

It will be his fifth stint at the top and a 37th week overall at the summit.  Sinner, who became the first Italian to reach world No 1 in June 2024, held the position for 65 consecutive weeks.

10:39 PM BST

A ball striking masterclass from the Spaniard

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, celebrates after defeating Jannik Sinner, of Italy
Breathtaking performance by Alcaraz – AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth

10:34 PM BST

WATCH: Sealed with an ace – Alcaraz is the 2025 men’s champion

10:31 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 Sinner

Now or never for Sinner. Alcaraz gets out of his chair early. He’s ready to serve out for the title.

Good defense from Alcaraz, soaking up the power and getting the forehand error from Sinner, 15-0. Too good from Alcaraz as he redirects Sinner’s return for a forehand winner. That’s his 40th winner of the match.

Alcaraz forehand goes long after big hitting from Sinner. Alcaraz drop shot, Sinner chases and gets there but sends a backhand wide, two championship points.

Sinner saves the first after a vicious forehand is too hot for Alcaraz. One to go…

Alcaraz second serve and Sinner meets it with a backhand return winner down the line. Wow. Deuce.

Defensive Sinner lob and Alcaraz puts away the smash to finish the point. Third championship point.

ALCARAZ ACE!!! GAME. SET. CHAMPIONSHIP. ALCARAZ.

10:25 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 5-4 Sinner*

Another Sinner service game where he finds himself having to rely on his second serve to survive. Alcaraz takes the game to 40-30 as he presses to finish this match right now.

But there will be one more game as Alcaraz nets a backhand to give Sinner the game.

Alcaraz to serve for the championship next.

10:20 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 5-3 Sinner

Masterclass in serving from Alcaraz as he effortlessly holds to love and moves to within one game of his second US Open title.

annik Sinner of Italy serves against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain
Arthur Ashe eventually reached full capacity – Getty Images/Al Bello

10:17 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 4-3 Sinner*

If Sinner is going to force a fifth set, now would be a good time to raise his level. He holds here to 15 and now needs to work out how on earth he is going to break Alcaraz.

10:14 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 4-2 Sinner

The adrenaline is flowing for Alcaraz as he hammers down a 132mph first serve, which is unreturned by Sinner. That’s his fastest of the match.

Another ace from Alcaraz consolidates the break and moves another step towards to the title.

10:09 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 3-2 Sinner*

Another key moment on the Sinner serve as he misses a forehand long, 30-all. Sinner goes big on his second serve but misses, break point Sinner.

Sinner tries to go on the attack but overhits with a forehand. Alcaraz breaks.

Tonight, the difference between the players has been the amount of first serves into play.

10:05 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 2-2 Sinner

Alcaraz coasts through another service game with a series of unreturnable first serves. 39 first serves he has made and he has lost just five points.

09:59 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 1-2 Sinner*

Good Sinner approach into Alcaraz’s backhand and he finishes off at the net like prime Stefan Edberg, 30-15. Sinner’s second serve bails him out again as Alcaraz nets a return. And he holds after another return error from Alcaraz.

09:56 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 1-1 Sinner

In contrast to Sinner’s struggles to hold Alcaraz has been so comfortable. He holds here after running Sinner ragged and placing a backhand down the line for a winner.

Pressure back on the Sinner serve!

09:51 PM BST

Fourth set: Alcaraz 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 0-1 Sinner* (*denotes server)

That might have been the worst set Sinner has played all year. But full credit to Alcaraz for lifting his level after struggling in the second set.

Obviously, the only way Sinner wins this match is by forcing a fifth set. But Alcaraz looks keen to end this in four as he overpowers Sinner with a forehand winner, 30-30.

Sinner’s first serve has gone AWOL and it is putting him under pressure on his second serve. Once again, Alcaraz turns defence into attack and earns the break point.

Timely first serve for Sinner, followed by a forehand deep into the corner and Alcaraz can’t keep the ball in play. Deuce.

Sinner double faults to give Alcaraz a second chance to break. Incredible volley by Sinner, Alcaraz digs out an angled forehand but Sinner, on the full stretch, meets it for a volley winner. He then gestures to the crowd to make more noise.

Gusty hold from Sinner as he survives that almighty scare.

09:39 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 Sinner

Fifth ace of the set from Alcaraz, 15-0. Another unreturned first serve makes it 30-0. He moves to two set points and takes it when Sinner miscues his return.

Alcaraz takes a two-sets-to-one lead.

09:36 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 3-6, 5-1 Sinner*

Last time Sinner lost a set 6-0 was in 2021 against Daniil Medvedev at the ATP Tour Finals.

Alcaraz is hitting his forehand 6mph harder than he did in the second set. He has not taken a backward step when the ball arrives on that wing.

Sinner puts a little bit of respectability on this one-sided set with a hold to 15.

09:32 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 3-6, 5-0 Sinner

Nine winner for Alcaraz in this set. Just one for Sinner. That tells the story for this set. Extra pace from his groundstrokes and Sinner can’t keep up.

Alcaraz is a game away from a bagel!

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts after a point against Italy's Jannik Sinner
Alcaraz has dominated the third set – Getty Images/Charly Triballeau

09:29 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 3-6, 4-0 Sinner*

Alcaraz has found his top level again and asserting his dominance. A forehand winner gives him three break points on the Sinner serve.

Sinner saves the first. But not the second. When Alcaraz slices his backhand and Sinner opts for an inside-out forehand, the Italian has missed the mark. And it happens again here as Sinner’s forehand lands in the tramlines.

Double break for Alcaraz.

09:24 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 3-6, 3-0 Sinner

Back comes Sinner as a loose forehand by Alcaraz makes it 0-30. Timely ace from Alcaraz levels the game at 30-all. Big point coming up.

Alcaraz second serve and Sinner nets a backhand. Sinner bounces his racket in frustration. Sinner drop shot, Alcaraz chips a backhand to the baseline, Sinner has a look at a forehand pass but Alcaraz covers it off and sticks away the volley to hold serve.

09:20 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 3-6, 2-0 Sinner*

Alcaraz in attack mode here and he moves to 0-30 when Sinner nets a backhand. Sinner responds and levels at 30-all with a forehand down the line that’s too hot for Alcaraz.

Alcaraz gets Sinner on the run and Italian puts his cross-court forehand into the tramlines, break point. 

Huge Sinner first serve, Alcaraz digs out a miraculous return that bounces high. Sinner takes it early with forehand but misjudges, probably going for too much and the ball lands in the tramlines.

Alcaraz breaks.

09:14 PM BST

Third set: Alcaraz* 6-2, 3-6, 1-0 Sinner (*denotes server)

Huge ‘vamos’ from Alcaraz as he crushes a forehand winner down the line, 40-30. Sinner never moved for it.

Alcaraz plays his sliced forehand deep and Sinner nets a backhand. Alcaraz holds to start the set.

09:08 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 3-6 Sinner*

Sinner starts the game with an unstoppable forehand winner down the line. Insane rally, sensational ball striking, Alcaraz hits a drop shot, Sinner gets there and jumps into a backhand volley winner, 30-15.

A Sinner ace brings up two set points. And he duly levels the match when Alcaraz sends a drive forehand long.

09:04 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 3-5 Sinner

Just a second ace of the match for Alcaraz makes it 30-15. He’d hit 38 coming into the match.

Sinner keeps himself in the game with a blistering forehand return, 40-30. He is seeing the ball very well at the moment. 

But Alcaraz does what he has to do and holds to make Sinner serve for the set.

09:00 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 2-5 Sinner*

Alcaraz gets Sinner on the run and the Italian’s desperate forehand is long, 15-30. Defiant shake of the fist from Sinner after Alcaraz nets a forehand, 30-all. He wasn’t missing that shot in the first set.

Sinner bravely goes into Alcaraz’s forehand on his second serve and gets the reward when he nets. Sinner then holds when Alcaraz miscues a forehand.

08:55 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 2-4 Sinner

Alcaraz stops the Sinner’s little streak of games with a critical service hold. Can he put the pressure back on Sinner?

Actor Courteney Cox with musician Bruce Springsteen and his daughter Jessica Rae Springsteen in the stands
Actor Courteney Cox with musician Bruce Springsteen and his daughter Jessica Rae Springsteen in the stands – Reuters/Eduardo Munoz

08:52 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 1-4 Sinner*

I refer you to my post at 20:03. Alcaraz has dropped from the exceptionally high level of the first set and Sinner, who has been largely steady throughout, is now beginning to turn the tables here.

The Italian holds to 30 to consolidate the break and the scoreline looks good for him.

08:46 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 1-3 Sinner

Here comes Sinner. He moves to 0-30 when he produces a dropshot of his own. Somehow, Alcaraz gets there but Sinner swats away the volley.

Loose error from Alcaraz and Sinner has three chances to break for the first time in the match.

And he only needs one. Alcaraz approaches the net with a backhand, Sinner hits a forehand, Alcaraz doesn’t do enough with the volley and Sinner passes him with a forehand to break.

Welcome to the match, Jannik!

08:41 PM BST

Alcaraz 6-2, 1-2 Sinner*

Better from Sinner. He’s starting to hit his spots and grow into this match. A hold to 15 is followed by a determined look as he walks purposefully to his chair.

There are reportedly still a few hundred in the queue outside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The match has now been going on for 50 minutes, and there are still obvious gaps inside the stadium.

Carlos Alcaraz in action during the final match
Alcaraz won the first set – Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

08:36 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2, 1-1 Sinner

Alcaraz continues to be all-conquering on serve. Sinner has not got close to breaking him. Love hold for Alcaraz in less than two minutes.

08:35 PM BST

‘Boos for Trump were louder than the cheers’

In the break between the sets, President Donald Trump was given longer than a mere few seconds of screen time.

On this occasion, the boos were louder than the cheers, although it was still a mixed reception from the President, who seemed to take no note of the reception he was receiving and instead waved to the crowd.

08:34 PM BST

Second set: Alcaraz 6-2, 0-1 Sinner* (*denotes server)

Must win set for Sinner because I can’t see him fighting back from two sets down. A double fault puts him in trouble at 30-all.

And Alcaraz earns a break point by staying in the point, turn defence into attack, drawing the error from Sinner.

Gutsy second serve by Sinner and Alcaraz nets his forehand return, deuce. Crucial hold for Sinner completed when Alcaraz nets a forehand.

08:28 PM BST

Alcaraz* 6-2 Sinner

Alcaraz is producing an unplayable brand of tennis. Exhibition stuff at times. He eases to 40-0 and three set points.

And wraps up the set when Sinner nets a return.

08:24 PM BST

Alcaraz 5-2 Sinner*

Chance for Sinner to get 30-15, but he pushes a backhand into the tramlines, so it’s 15-30. Big hitting from Alcaraz on his forehand and Sinner nets, two break points.

Sinner saves the first. But not the second. Deep forehand approach by Sinner, Alcaraz hits a forehand and Sinner tamely nets a forehand volley.

Double break for Alcaraz and he will serve for the set next. 

08:19 PM BST

Alcaraz* 4-2 Sinner

Too good from Alcaraz as he pushes Sinner off the court and whips a forehand into the corner for a winner, 40-0. He then hits a 118mph ace to seal a love hold. Clinical.

Jannik Sinner of Italy returns against Carlos Alcaraz
Sinner slides into a volley – Getty Images/Elsa

08:15 PM BST

Alcaraz 3-2 Sinner*

Unbelievable feel on the run from Alcaraz as he attacks the net and hits a stunning volley winner, 0-30. Credit to Sinner, as he fights back to 30-all then moves ahead when Alcaraz nets an attempted backhand pass.

First serve from Sinner is returned wide by Alcaraz and the Italian holds to keep himself in touch.

08:11 PM BST

Alcaraz* 3-1 Sinner

Still lots of empty blue seats as Alcaraz comes out to serve. Sinner gets a look at a lob over Alcaraz but doesn’t get enough elevation on the ball and Alcaraz smashes the ball away easily, 30-15.

Seventh unforced error from Sinner gives Alcaraz a 40-15 lead and the Spaniard holds when Sinner puts a lob beyond the baseline.

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action
Alcaraz stretches for a forehand – Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

08:05 PM BST

Alcaraz 2-1 Sinner*

Sinner is finding it tough to break through Alcaraz’s defences early on. Alcaraz keeps making Sinner play one more ball and that’s when the error comes from the world No 1.

But he does manage to come through this onslaught from Alcaraz and gets on the scoreboard.

08:03 PM BST

Alcaraz* 2-0 Sinner

Alcaraz has faced just nine break points in the entire tournament. He’s only been broken once. That is the scale of the task that Sinner faces tonight.

Alcaraz closes out the game with a sliced forehand winner. The Spaniard is on it at the start here.

For me, his peak is a better level of tennis than Sinner. But Sinner is able to stay at a consistent level for longer.

07:57 PM BST

First set: Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 Jannik Sinner* (*denotes server)

Pressure? What pressure? Sinner starts as he means to go on with big ball striking and leads 30-0. Loose forehand by Sinner and Alcaraz levels the game.

Sinner second serve, Alcaraz attacks it, driving a forehand return to Sinner’s feet and the Italian sends a forehand wide, 30-40. Break point saved by Sinner after an unreturned first serve, deuce.

Those in the stadium are already being treated to some great rallies. Alcaraz hits a 101mph forehand to break Sinner’s defences. Sinner then jumps into a backhand and nets, second break point for Alcaraz.

Nice mix up from Alcaraz to slice into Sinner’s backhand and the Italian nets. Alcaraz breaks.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is pictured
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is ready for the final – Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

07:44 PM BST

Here we go!

37 minutes later than advertised, the players walk onto the court for the final. The roof will be closed due to the rain outside.

2000 winner Marat Safin takes part in the coin toss. Alcaraz won the spin and opts to receive first. Pressure on Sinner to start well.

07:39 PM BST

You have to feel for the people still waiting to get in

07:35 PM BST

Mixed reception for Trump

Arthur Ashe Stadium might only be half full with the start time moments away but the final preparations for the final have started.

We’ve just had a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner sung and when Trump appeared on screen, there were cheers and boos for him.

There were only a few seconds of Donald Trump on screen, and deliberately chosen to show during the national anthem.

That said, it was a decidedly mixed reception for him. Although some in the crowd cheered as he saluted, there were also a few boos that rang out.

It is not common at all in the United States to hear any negative reaction during the national anthem.

Donald Trump stands for for the national anthem
Donald Trump stands for for the national anthem – AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth

07:34 PM BST

‘Climbing over benches’

The queue is so long that even fans who admitted to cutting or climbing over benches have still had to wait sit in line for half an hour.

Inside Arthur Ashe it is hard to believe that a men’s grand slam final will start at the planned time.

It is under a third full at the time of writing. 

Long queues of ticket holders still waiting to get into the stadium
Long queues of ticket holders still waiting to get into the stadium – Telegraph

07:24 PM BST

The celebs had no trouble getting in

Tommy Hilfiger (R) and wife Dee Hilfiger (L) look on
Tommy Hilfiger (right) and wife Dee Hilfiger look on – Getty Images /Matthew Stockman
Danny DeVito attends the men's singles final
Danny DeVito patiently waits – Getty Images/Charly Triballeau
Actor Lindsay Lohan reacts prior to the Men's Singles Final
Lindsay Lohan is also in attendance – Getty Images/Elsa
Ben Stiller (L) and wife US actress Christine Taylor attend the men's singles final
Ben Stiller (left) and wife Christine Taylor wait in their seats – Getty Images/Charly Triballeau

07:15 PM BST

‘Chaos’

The scene outside Arthur Ashe can only be described as chaos. 

The queues stretch almost to the entrance and fans have told Telegraph Sport that it took them 45 minutes to make their way through the TSA-style ring of steel around the stadium.

Of the fans spoken to by Telegraph Sport, none were given any warning or told to arrive earlier because of the additional security measures. 

One even had a metal water bottle purchased inside Flushing Meadows confiscated and thrown out because there is no metal allowed. 

07:07 PM BST

Confusion and delay at Flushing Meadows

Latest update is that the final has been delayed by another seven minutes to 2:37pm (7:37pm BST).

But with the images and footage I’m seeing right now, I would be surprised if the start time wasn’t pushed again. A ticket holder in the queue had no idea that Trump was attending the final and the likely cause of the delays.

Spare a thought for the players as well because this can’t be helping their preparations.

07:02 PM BST

Trump’s here!

06:59 PM BST

Long queues ahead of the final

Fans go through security checks ahead of the final
Fans go through security checks ahead of the final – Reuters/Shannon Stapleton
Fans arrive ahead of the final match between Italy's Jannik Sinner and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz
Fans wait to get into Arthur Ashe Stadium – Reuters/Shannon Stapleton

06:55 PM BST

Sinner on his rivalry with Alcaraz

“We are players who are pretty complete, I’d say.

“We can change the way we play. He, I think, he does it better in his way. I make my adjustments in my way.”

Jannik Sinner of Italy leaves the court after posing with Carlos Alcaraz of Spain
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are the two most dominant players in men’s tennis – Getty Images/Matthew Stockman

06:47 PM BST

Watch: England footballers give their predictions for the final

06:40 PM BST

BREAKING: Men’s final delayed

Statement from the US Open:

“As a result of the security measures in place, and to ensure that fans have additional time to get to their seats, we have pushed the start time of today’s match to 2:30 p.m. ET”

That means 7.30pm for those of us in the UK!

06:32 PM BST

No doubt now that we have entered a new era in men’s tennis

06:20 PM BST

Something to whet the appetite

Alcaraz and Sinner have met just once before at the US Open, back in 2022. And it was special…

06:11 PM BST

A ring of steel at the US Open as Donald Trump attends final

The US Open has asked broadcasters not to show any reactions or disruptions to the attendance of Donald Trump, the US president, who is scheduled to attend the men’s final.

All media have been repeatedly reminded of the additional security that will be in place at the US Open in preparation for the president’s visit.

But Telegraph Sport understands that ahead of Trump’s visit, broadcasters, including Sky Sports, have been asked not to show any reactions to his attendance. No request has yet been made to written media.

Metal detectors have been placed outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium
Metal detectors have been placed outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium

06:00 PM BST

The latest chapter in the Alcaraz vs Sinner saga

Good and welcome to coverage of the US Open men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. 

Not only is a grand slam title up for grabs but also the world No 1 ranking, which Sinner has held since June 2024. 

It is the third grand slam in a row that this match-up has been the final. All in all, there is no doubt that we are in the era of the big two.

“I love these challenges,” said Sinner. “I love to put myself in these positions. He’s someone who pushed me to the limit, which is great, because then you have the best feedback you can have as a player.

“We have faced each other quite a lot now lately, so things are getting a little bit different. Always when we step on court, we are aware of maybe more things, because him or me, we try to prepare the match tactically and in different ways.

“Sometimes it’s also nice to not play against him. But it’s great for the sport having rivalries, having hopefully great matches in front of us.”

Alcaraz has been imperious in New York. He has not dropped a set and he has been broken just twice.

“It’s great,” said Alcaraz. “It’s something that I’m working on, just the consistency in the matches, in the tournaments, in the year in general.

“Just the level that I start the match, I just wanted to keep that level really high during the whole match. So I think I’m doing that in this tournament, which I’m really proud about.

“Probably I’m just getting mature. I’m just getting to know myself much better, what I need on and off the court. The things that I’m doing off the court I think I’m doing really, really well, which helps a lot.

“Probably this is the best level or the best feeling that I have so far in a tennis tournament or in a year. So I will try to continue like that.”

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