Machine-like Sinner meets magician Alcaraz for US Open crown

NEW YORK :Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will on Sunday write the latest chapter of a sizzling rivalry that has ushered in a new era and shaped an unforgettable 2025 season when they clash in the U.S. Open final for a third straight Grand Slam showdown.

The stakes could hardly be higher in the marquee meeting at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium with the world number one ranking on the line and a $5 million winner's cheque awaiting, but the real prize is bragging rights in a year that has been theirs.

Spaniard Alcaraz completed a great escape against Sinner in June by saving three match points to retain his French Open trophy, before the Italian world number one responded a month later to snatch his main rival's Wimbledon crown.

"He's someone who has pushed me to the limit," said Sinner, who is aiming to become the first man to keep his crown in New York since Roger Federer won five titles from 2004-08.

"We've faced each other quite a lot now lately ... It's great for the sport having rivalries and having hopefully great matches in front of us. And then we see.

"I'm someone who loves these challenges. I love to put myself in these positions and to see how it goes."

Victory for four-times major champion Sinner will help him emulate Federer again by becoming the second man to capture both the Australian Open and U.S. Open titles in back-to-back years after the Swiss great managed the feat in 2006-07.

SUBLIME FORM

Alcaraz arrives in the final seeking his sixth major crown and in sublime form, having reached the title clashes in each of the past eight tournaments he has played in, going all the way back to Monte Carlo in April.

He holds a 9-5 win-loss record over Sinner, winning six of their last seven meetings and most recently