Two months after losing the Wimbledon final to Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz spent 15 days in a targeted training camp designed to tackle the challenges posed by Sinner, his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero revealed. The team meticulously analyzed their recent matches, including Alcaraz’s narrow victory at Roland Garros, where he had to save three championship points. They developed a strategic plan focused on hard courts, an area where Sinner has shown exceptional strength.
Alcaraz Triumphs at the US Open
The intense preparation paid off in New York. In a thrilling US Open final that determined both the prestigious title and the world No. 1 ranking, the 22-year-old Alcaraz defeated the top seed, Sinner, with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in a match lasting two hours and 42 minutes. Ferrero praised Alcaraz’s performance as a flawless execution of their game plan, which focused on seizing the first strike, applying early pressure during rallies, and utilizing Alcaraz’s diverse skill set, including slices, net approaches, and changes of pace to disrupt Sinner’s rhythm.
One of the key factors in Alcaraz’s success was his serve. Throughout the tournament, he held 98 of 101 service games and faced only one break point in the final, which Sinner managed to convert. The coaching team noted that improvements made from Cincinnati leading up to the US Open transformed Alcaraz’s serve into a crucial weapon during critical moments of the match.
Ferrero also highlighted Alcaraz’s vibrant on-court energy, a trait that has characterized his playing style since his early teens. This lively demeanor was palpable in Arthur Ashe Stadium as he celebrated securing his sixth major title.
The victory further extended Alcaraz’s record against Sinner to 10-5, with the two players splitting their encounters in this season’s four major tournaments. Earlier in the summer, Sinner had triumphed at Wimbledon, winning in four sets for his fourth Grand Slam title, thus narrowing the gap to only one title behind Alcaraz at that time.