New York: Jannik Sinner entered the US Open as world No. 1 and defending champion, but his run ended in disappointment as he fell to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the final on Sunday. The loss not only cost him the title but also his top ranking, marking a turning point in the Italian’s career.
Reflecting on the setback, Sinner acknowledged that he must evolve his game. “Being no longer number one is something new, and it changes the way you approach things. I may lose matches in the future, but I want to be more unpredictable,” he said.
Sinner admitted he struggled with his serve throughout the tournament but credited Alcaraz for raising his level in the final. In a dominant two-hour, 42-minute performance, the 22-year-old Spaniard produced 42 winners to Sinner’s 21, dropped just nine points on his first serve, and was broken only once. His serving stats placed him among the most efficient champions in Grand Slam history.
Alcaraz’s clean, powerful game proved decisive, but Sinner stressed he is ready to experiment with new tactics, including drop shots and serve-and-volley play, to become a more complete player. “It’s about stepping outside the comfort zone,” Sinner added, underscoring his determination to bounce back stronger.
