Alcaraz and Sinner Set the Stage for a Dominant U.S. Open

It might seem logical to simply fast-forward to a potential men's championship match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open, assuming Sinner is healthy. However, as the singles action begins, there are compelling arguments for various players to contend for the women's final.

The current top three women in the rankings, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff, have each won the U.S. Open in the past three years. Other past major champions, such as Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina, have also demonstrated strong performances recently, suggesting the possibility of a new face emerging.

In the men's game, the focus is primarily on "Sincaraz," a combination of Sinner and Alcaraz, who are ranked number one and two respectively. They have dominated, winning seven consecutive Grand Slam titles and nine of the last twelve. Novak Djokovic secured the remaining three titles during that period.

Swiatek, Gauff, Madison Keys, Sabalenka, and Barbora Krejcikova.

Marcos Giron, an American player who has faced both Sinner and Alcaraz, noted that they are playing at an exceptionally high level consistently. Their dominance is evident in the ATP rankings and their recent performances. Alcaraz won the French Open in June after overcoming a two-set deficit, and Sinner won at Wimbledon in July. In the Cincinnati Open, Sinner withdrew due to illness, handing the title to Alcaraz.

Alcaraz has won six titles this season, leading the tour, and has a remarkable record of 39 wins in his last 41 matches. Since Sinner returned from a three-month break, they have met in the finals of four events.

Sinner and Alcaraz possess exceptional skills. They hit the ball with incredible power, with Sinner's returns rivaling Djokovic's and Alcaraz's drop shots being unmatched. Their athleticism is also remarkable, with Alcaraz's speed and Sinner's reach setting them apart.

Sam Querrey, a former player, highlighted their confidence, ball-striking, and movement as nearly perfect. He noted their ability to add extra force when needed. This leaves other elite players, like Ben Shelton, facing challenges in major tournaments.

The rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner is significant. They are producing thrilling matches reminiscent of the Federer-Nadal or Nadal-Djokovic eras. Darren Cahill, one of Sinner's coaches, believes the rivalry is real and hopes it will continue for many years.

Alcaraz acknowledges the difficulty of playing against Sinner, emphasizing the need to earn every point. Sinner also recognizes the challenge, highlighting their shared goal of pushing themselves to their limits in their matches.