Alcaraz confidently aims to halt Sinner's dominance on hard courts

Carlos Alcaraz is confident and ready to end Jannik Sinner's reign on hard courts as he embarks on his 2025 US Open journey.

Carlos Alcaraz believes he is more prepared than ever to put an end to Jannik Sinner's dominance at Grand Slam events on hard surfaces.

“I think he has won the last three hard court Grand Slams, if I’m not mistaken,” Alcaraz said. “The level Sinner shows on this surface is incredible. I truly admire him and want to be as prepared as possible if we meet again. It would be amazing if it happens in a final. Right now, he is the player everyone wants to beat.”

Sinner, the world No. 1, is aiming to defend his US Open title in New York after winning back-to-back Australian Opens in 2024 and 2025. The 24-year-old Italian has not lost a hard court Grand Slam match since his defeat to Alexander Zverev in the fourth round of the US Open two years ago.

Alcaraz, who recently defeated Sinner in the Cincinnati Open final last week when his opponent retired down 0-5 in the first set, considers stopping Sinner’s Grand Slam streak “a remarkable achievement.”

The rivalry between these two young players has become one of the most captivating stories in men's tennis today. In 2025, they faced each other in two Grand Slam finals: Alcaraz won a thrilling five-set battle at Roland Garros, while Sinner avenged that by claiming the Wimbledon title. Previously, Alcaraz also defeated Sinner in a classic five-set quarterfinal at the 2022 US Open before going on to win the championship.

“Every time we face off, we push each other to the limit,” Alcaraz said. “Off the court, we have mutual respect and a good relationship, which makes everything even more special.”

The 22-year-old Spaniard, who was eliminated in the second round of last year’s US Open, said he has prepared much better for this year’s tournament, especially without the pressure of the Olympics just before the event.

“This year, I have had more time to rest and recharge,” Alcaraz shared. “I had full days off, which helped greatly both mentally and physically. Now I feel refreshed and eager to return.”

This revival was clearly shown in Cincinnati, and Alcaraz hopes to maintain that form at Flushing Meadows, where he will start his US Open campaign against Reilly Opelka on Monday.