Nicola Esquede's post-match analysis following Carlos Alcaraz's triumph at the US Open: Alcaraz didn't possess the truck's keys.
In a thrilling contest at the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious against Jannik Sinner, securing the title in straight sets.
The match began with Alcaraz's strong start, a trend that continued throughout the encounter. His tactical approach involved consistently targeting Sinner's backhand, a strategy that proved effective.
Sinner, on the other hand, attempted to mix up his game by moving forward more than in his previous matches. However, the outcome was often unfavorable, as he struggled to match Alcaraz's intensity.
In the first set, Alcaraz's return quality made the difference, giving away only 2 double faults. His powerful shots, particularly from Sinner's backhand side, kept Sinner on the defensive.
Sinner, who had won his last Grand Slam title at Wimbledon 2025, seemed to be off his game from the start. He was least solid on his backhand, sometimes lifting the ball more on this side. Alcaraz made sure to box Sinner in on his backhand side throughout the match.
The second set saw a dip in Alcaraz's first serve percentage, but he managed to set up his backhand diagonal, a stroke that suits him better, to maintain his advantage. A notable moment came when Alcaraz hit a backhand return into the net on his break point in the second set.
Despite Sinner's visible frustration after giving away the break in the third set, Alcaraz maintained his composure and finished off the fourth set with exceptional service quality.
In the end, Alcaraz was significantly higher in tactical level and game throughout the final. Sinner, who is known for his calm demeanor, even threw his racket later in the match, an uncharacteristic display of frustration.
Quote from a tennis analyst, "When Alcaraz is playing at an extremely high level, Jannik may struggle to rise to the occasion."
This victory marks another significant milestone in Alcaraz's promising career, further cementing his status as one of the top players in the sport.
