This year's US Open presents a prime opportunity for Alcaraz to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking.

Up to now, Alcaraz and Sinner have met 13 times, with Alcaraz holding an 8-5 advantage. Their clashes have been legendary, highlighted by the grueling 2022 US Open quarterfinal that lasted over five hours, and this year’s thrilling five-set battle at Roland Garros. Their contrasting styles—Alcaraz’s explosive power and creativity versus Sinner’s consistency—have captivated the tennis world.

Each encounter adds a new chapter to their fierce rivalry. Currently, Alcaraz is ranked world No. 2, just behind Sinner. He stands a strong chance of regaining the top spot, but a crucial factor will determine whether he can overtake the Italian star.

Journalist Giovanni Perazzo recently highlighted this on social media platform X, stating: “Regardless of tomorrow night’s result against Sinner, if Alcaraz wins the US Open, he will return to world No. 1 afterward.” This observation underscores the fine margin between the two in the rankings, with Sinner at 12,030 points and Alcaraz at 8,590.

The real secret lies in Alcaraz’s ability to maintain his peak performance in best-of-five matches, especially when facing Sinner, who is undoubtedly his toughest opponent under such pressure. Alcaraz sometimes struggles with focus, and Sinner has taken advantage of that. At Wimbledon, Sinner defeated Alcaraz with precise technique and remarkable mental strength.

On the other hand, Alcaraz’s victory at the French Open showcased how he responds to Sinner’s challenge. If Alcaraz can deliver similarly clutch performances at the US Open, he won’t just reclaim the world No. 1 ranking—he’ll also remind everyone that he is the top contender in this rivalry.

The Cincinnati final is also a significant test for Sinner. He entered the final riding a 26-match hard-court winning streak. Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s form has fluctuated recently, suffering losses to lower-ranked players, but he consistently raises his level against the elite, such as his straight-sets win over Zverev. If Alcaraz can cut down on unforced errors and keep his first serve strong, he could pose serious problems for Sinner.

If he succeeds, it will give him a major confidence boost heading into the US Open. However, after his loss to Sinner at Wimbledon, Alcaraz harbored no resentment toward his Italian rival. Following that tough final, Alcaraz spoke about their competitive relationship, emphasizing the mutual respect behind their fierce rivalry. Despite losing in four sets, Alcaraz expressed admiration for Sinner’s performance.

Reflecting on the defeat, the Spaniard said: “Yes, it’s always tough to lose, especially in a final. But first of all, I want to congratulate Jannik again. I have to say, congratulations—you’re improving every week. This was a well-deserved victory. These two weeks in London have been incredible. Your tennis has been outstanding, and your team should be proud.”

Alcaraz demonstrated great sportsmanship, warmly congratulating Sinner and highlighting the intensity of their rivalry. The Spaniard also added: “I’m genuinely happy for you, keep it up. I’m glad we have a good relationship off the court, but on the court, we have a great battle, which pushes me to improve every day. So thank you very much, and congratulations.”

This blend of competition and camaraderie sets their rivalry apart and suggests it will shape the future of tennis, as both players continue to drive each other to new heights.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)