2025 US Open final – Carlos Alcaraz chases perfect tournament and No.1 spot
‘Brutal’ doesn’t even begin to describe Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open run. He’s reached the championship match without dropping a single set.The last man to do that? Roger Federer, a decade ago.Though, it’s worth remembering Federer lost that final to Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz easily defeated Djokovic in the semifinals, maintaining an incredibly high level throughout the two weeks at Flushing Meadows.He’s won each best-of-five-sets match in an average of one hour and 59 minutes, losing only 9.6 games per win on average.
The 22-year-old is arguably playing his best tennis of the season, and that’s saying somthing considering he already won Roland-Garros. He’s tactically smart and maintains razor-sharp concentration throughout every match – something he admits he’s been actively working on to become the best version of himself.
“It’s something that I’m working on,” he said. “Just to be focused all the time. I try to be calm, to think about the next point, and to not think about the past.”
Alcaraz’s opponent, Daniil Medvedev, is a familiar foe. They’ve faced off five times, with Alcaraz leading 3-2. Their most recent match was at Indian Wells earlier this year, where Alcaraz won in three sets. Medvedev, however, is a two-time Grand Slam champion and a notoriously challenging opponent, especially on hard courts.
Medvedev reached the final after a hard-fought victory over Ben Shelton. He’s known for his relentless defense and ability to disrupt his opponents’ rhythm. He’ll need to bring all of that – and more – to have a chance against Alcaraz.
Beyond the trophy, the No.1 ranking is on the line. If Alcaraz wins, he’ll cement his place at the top. If Medvedev wins, he’ll reclaim the No.1 spot he previously held. It adds another layer of intensity to what’s already a highly anticipated final.
Alcaraz is chasing history. A perfect tournament and the world No.1 ranking are within his grasp. Can he seize the moment, or will Medvedev spoil the party?