Rafael Nadal Lauds 'Champion' Carlos Alcaraz After Record US Open Title Win

Last Updated:September 08, 2025, 07:57 IST

Alcaraz claimed his second US Open and sixth Grand Slam by defeating Jannik Sinner, reclaiming world No. 1 and earning praise from Rafael Nadal for his remarkable 2025 season.

Rafael Nadal praised Alcaraz after his US Open triumph (X)

When Carlos Alcaraz clinched his second US Open crown and a sixth Grand Slam title overall on Sunday night, it wasn’t just the New York crowd that rose in appreciation.

The win, a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 triumph over Italy’s Jannik Sinner, echoed Alcaraz’s 2022 breakthrough in Flushing Meadows, which first propelled him to world No. 1.

By reclaiming top spot from Sinner, Alcaraz became only the second-youngest man in the Open Era to win six majors, trailing only Bjorn Borg.

Back home, Spanish legend Rafael Nadal was among the first to salute the 22-year-old’s achievement, praising his compatriot for what has already been a remarkable season.

“Congratulations @carlosalcaraz! Champion again of the @usopen and number 1! Congratulations on all the work behind this great season," Nadal wrote on social media, acknowledging the relentless dedication that has powered Alcaraz to the summit of men’s tennis.

Despite reaching the quarterfinals only once in four previous visits to Melbourne, Alcaraz remains confident of winning the one Slam that has eluded him so far.

Should he triumph next January, he would become the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam, surpassing Nadal, who did so at 24 in 2010.

“Obviously I’m going to try to do it next year," Alcaraz said. “But if it is not next year, hopefully in two, three, or four. I will keep trying to complete it."

Dominance on Display

The 22-year-old Alcaraz was in sublime form last night, registering 42 winners to Sinner’s 21 after winning 98 of 101 service games across the tournament, and was broken just three times in seven matches.

The Spaniard became only the second man since Pete Sampras in the 1990s to capture a major while conceding so few service games.

For Sinner, the loss was another tough chapter in his rivalry with Alcaraz. After winning his maiden Slam at the Australian Open and defeating Alcaraz at Wimbledon, he has now fallen short to the Spaniard in both the French Open and US Open finals.

“A lot of big stages and matches we’ve played this season," said Sinner, who had his 27-match hardcourt major winning streak snapped. “I tried my best today, I couldn’t do more."

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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News sports Rafael Nadal Lauds 'Champion' Carlos Alcaraz After Record US Open Title Win

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