 "Jannik Sinner failed to put up a challenge as Carlos Alcaraz won the US Open final. Image: Reuters")
Carlos Alcaraz was hailed by tennis legends like Martina Navratilova and Tim Henman as they dissected his powerful performance against Jannik Sinner in the US Open final on Sunday, and delivered their verdicts on who is better. Alcaraz demolished Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to clinch his sixth Grand Slam title , and most importantly, put an end to all the doubts about his ability to beat the Italian after the defeat in the Wimbledon 2025 final.
Alcaraz’s dominance in the US Open could be ascertained from the fact that his 3-6 loss to Sinner in the second set was the first set he dropped in his seven matches at the tournament.
Navratilova, Henmann hail Alcaraz after sensational show vs Sinner
18-time Grand Slam champion Navratilova, in her verdict about the new-generation Sinner vs Alcaraz battle, said that the Spaniard is more capable of playing his best in tough situations and possesses a “bigger game”.
“Alcaraz just brings his best when it matters the best,” Navratilova told Sky Sports. “I think he doesn’t feel the pressure against Sinner because he knows he has to play well and if he loses, it’s okay.
“Carlos has just got a slightly bigger game than Jannik, and when it cooks he is practically unbeatable.
“The numbers don’t lie, Alcaraz was better across the board.”
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Former British tennis star Henman praised Alcaraz’s ever-improving service game, and added that it reduced Sinner’s efficacy against the 22-year-old champion.
“A ball-striking masterclass,” Henman said. “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.”
Former British No 1 Annabel Croft felt Sinner was unsure about his game in the final, while Alcaraz was brave and courageous.
“Alcaraz set the tone from the word go,” Croft told the BBC. “Such a brilliant tactical match. We saw all of the skills that he has at his disposable. He came back from the second set with aggressive forehands.
“The bravery and courage is unbelievable. He held his nerve so well.
“Sinner looked like he is contemplating a lot between points. He has a lot to think about what he is up against tonight.”
Alcaraz also returned to the world No 1 ranking for the first time since 2023 after beating Sinner. He would now look to complete a Career Grand Slam at Australian Open 2026.