CARLOS ALCARAZ received the Presidential Seal of Approval as he regained the US Open – and banked the richest prize in tennis history.
In the trilogy fight of their already legendary rivalry, Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 in a delayed US Open final that was marred by security chaos outside.
The arrival of US President Donald Trump, the utlimate capitalist, caused traffic congestion on the freeway and saw the showdown moved back by half an hour, with tens of thousands of fans stuck outside.
It was far from the most enthralling contest these two have had but Alcaraz, 22, will not care as his name is up in lights in the Big Apple for the first time since 2022.
And with a cheque for a record $5million (£3.7million) in his back pocket, maybe he can afford slightly heftier wages on the golf course with Sergio Garcia.
This was the third major final in THREE MONTHS in which the top two in the world had met.
It was the first time in men’s tennis since 1964, so pre-Open Era, when the same protagonists had contested three Grand Slam finals in the same season.
It is shameful that the Arthur Ashe Stadium – which had its roof shut due to inclement weather – was half empty by the time the first balls were struck.
Everyone had to clear airport-style security checks and pass through mental detectors, which had been installed overnight in anticipation of the President’s arrival here.
Martina Navratilova, the 18-time Grand Slam champion, said that “for the final to be postponed because of this is absolutely insane”.
She added: “All the majors have a roof. They all start on time.
“It has been raining on and off. People have paid thousands of dollars for these tickets. It was half empty at the start, normally this place would be rocking.
“This might not be happening again in the future. The USTA will say: ‘No, thank you.’”
Alcaraz, on site early to avoid any travel drama, admitted his biggest concern was feeling nervous given the calibre of the VIP guest sitting in the Rolex suite, next to the silver trophy.
But he did not show any traces of anxiety, his booming forehand breaking Sinner’s defence after an opening set that lasted 37 minutes.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, wearing a flap cap and sitting behind actor Ben Stiller, was loving his fellow countryman’s exceptional footwork and speed around the court.
How thrillingly he manages to win points from extraordinary and seemingly impossible angles.
Sinner, who had an abdomen issue in his semi-final win over Felix Auger-Aliassime, was second best in the first set and conceded a double-break with a sloppy drop shot at the net.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Alcaraz wrapped up the first set with 37 minutes on the clock and his tennis was as sharp as his shaven-headed haircut.
Trump, 79, was shown on screen during the break between sets and his image received more jeers than cheers from New Yorkers, probably those who had missed the opening proceedings.
Alcaraz’s hopes of going through the whole tournament without dropping a set – which had never happened before in the professional era – were thwarted as his level temporarily dipped.
Sinner, wearing a right arm sleeve following his Wimbledon injury, was fist punching and trying to whip up the crowd, which is unusual for him, as he gained control of set two on 79 minutes.
Yet his anger and frustration was soon on display as he whacked the ball into the air in a petulant manner when his serve was unlocked due to his unforced error.
Before Alcaraz broke Sinner for the second time in set three, with 95 minutes gone, Trump left his seat, only to return a set later and 45 minutes later.
The last time Sinner was bagelled in a professional tennis match was at the hands of Daniil Medvedev in November 2021.
The 24-year-old avoided a similar embarrassment but he recorded only ONE WINNER as he was pummelled 6-1 in the third set.
The crucial moment in set four was Sinner’s double fault followed by a long forehand in game five that handed the Spaniard the decisive break.
Alcaraz, exceptional in all facets this past fortnight in New York, collected his sixth Slam before the age of 23 – and also replaced Sinner as world no.1 – on his third Championship point after more than two-and-a-half hours of play.
Alcaraz said after: “Everyone who has made this possible in this tournament is super special for me. We all feel at home. It’s an incredible tournament, the three weeks I’ve spent here, is a privilege.
“Thanks to all the fans for the energy you’re putting into every match and training. I feel at home, I feel the energy and love.
“Jannik, it’s unbelievable what you’re doing during the whole season, a great level in every tournament you play.
“I’m seeing you more than my family! It’s great to share the court and share everything with you. To watch you improve and work hard with your team.”
Sinner said: “I’d like to say to Carlos and his whole team, you are doing amazing, it’s a lot of hard work behind this performance.
“You were better than me. Enjoy it. It’s a great moment.
“I have had an incredible season, played on a lot of stages and matches. I tried my best, I couldn’t do more.
“I know here are very important people, everyone is here, I am happy to be on this court. We all try our best to make this the best show possible.”
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