Carlos Alcaraz stands one win away from etching his name into US Open immortality in the 2025 final against Jannik Sinner on September 7, poised to become the first man in the Open Era to claim the title without dropping a single set. The 22-year-old Spaniard, already a five-time Grand Slam champion, has been untouchable through six matches at Flushing Meadows, conceding just 58 games across 18 sets—an average of over three games per set—and relying on only two tiebreaks. His semifinal demolition of Novak Djokovic, 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2, extended his flawless run, making him the first player since Roger Federer in 2015 to reach the final without losing a set.
This feat would cap a dominant tournament for Alcaraz, who lost serve only once all week and held in 68 of 69 service games, the fewest dropped by any male semifinalist since Rafael Nadal in 2013. No man has won the US Open without dropping a set since Neale Fraser in 1960, pre-Open Era. Alcaraz’s consistency aligns with his 2025 resurgence: a French Open title, Wimbledon final, and Cincinnati crown, boasting a 35-1 record in his last 36 matches. “I’m proud of keeping that high level,” Alcaraz said post-semifinal. “It’s about maturity—no ups and downs.”
Facing Sinner, the defending champion and World No. 1, adds stakes. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 9-5, including the 2025 French Open final, but Sinner’s 27-match hard-court Slam streak and minor abdomen tweak recovery make it a clash of eras. Victory would secure Alcaraz’s sixth major, reclaim No. 1 ranking, and complete a calendar-year quartet of Slam quarterfinals without a set loss—the first since Nadal in 2008. Only five men have won any major set-less: Ken Rosewall (1971 AO), Ilie Nastase (1973 RG), Bjorn Borg (1976-77 RG, 1976 Wim), Federer (2007 AO, 2017 Wim), and Nadal (RG 2008, 2010, 2017, 2020). At 22, Alcaraz could join this elite, solidifying his transition from prodigy to all-surface dominator.
Sinner, dismissing injury fears after a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 semifinal win over Felix Auger-Aliassime, called it a “special day.” Their rivalry, starting at the 2022 US Open, promises fireworks. Alcaraz’s showmanship—a backhand dink and behind-the-back flick—has thrilled crowds, but his focus remains: “I’m here to entertain and win.” With history beckoning, Alcaraz’s poise could redefine US Open lore.
