Carlos Alcaraz Fires ‘Big Target’ Warning to Jannik Sinner Ahead of the US Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the top two seeds at the 2025 US Open.

Carlos Alcaraz Fires ‘Big Target’ Warning to Jannik Sinner Ahead of the US Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner (via Punto de Break)

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Carlos Alcaraz has issued a clear warning to his rival Jannik Sinner ahead of the US Open. Speaking before the tournament, he suggested that Sinner, now world No. 1, has a “target on his back” after dominating hard-court Slams in recent years. Alcaraz admitted he is already thinking about a potential showdown with the Italian in New York.

Their rivalry has become the biggest storyline in men’s tennis. Sinner has collected the last three major titles played on hard courts, and Alcaraz is eager to halt that streak. The Spaniard believes he is ready to challenge Sinner’s grip on the surface and reclaim momentum in their head-to-head battles. Alcaraz said in his US Open press conference:

[Winning here] would be a great thing to do. The past three Grand Slams on hard courts, he won. It’s been unbelievable the tennis he’s bringing on hard courts. So I just look up to him in some way just to be ready if I have to face him somewhere.

Last year’s US Open was a disappointment for Alcaraz. He arrived fatigued after a grueling summer that included a run to the Olympic final in Paris, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. The result was an early exit that left fans surprised and the Spaniard frustrated. He added:

It’s going to be great. I’m just getting ready for the tournament, just to do a good result, hopefully meet him in the final. It would be a great result having a good run here. If I beat him, much more… He has a big target, his back!

This season, his build-up has been smoother. Alcaraz faces a tricky first-round clash with Reilly Opelka, whose powerful serve is dangerous in early rounds. If he advances, the path won’t get easier, with former champion Daniil Medvedev looming as a possible third-round opponent.

The storyline around the World No.1 ranking between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz has moved ahead of Jannik Sinner in the live ATP Rankings, but the official world No. 1 position remains unchanged for now. Sinner still holds the points he earned from winning last year’s US Open, and those will only drop once this year’s tournament ends. If he defends his title in New York, his top ranking will be safe.

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (3)
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

Anything less than another US Open crown, however, opens the door for Alcaraz. The Spaniard has been closing in on his rival all season and knows that lifting the trophy in New York would guarantee his return to the top. Even if he does not win, Sinner’s early exit could allow Alcaraz to reclaim the No. 1 ranking.

Sinner has been world No. 1 since June 2024, a position he held despite missing three months earlier this year due to a suspension following a positive test at Indian Wells. The Italian has still managed to lead the way, but Alcaraz, now the French Open champion, is eager to break his hold on the spot.

The draw for Alcaraz is far from simple, yet many still expect him to reach another US Open final. A potential third straight Slam showdown with Sinner looms, keeping their rivalry at the center of the tennis world. Former No. 1 Mats Wilander has already suggested that the rest of the field is too far behind, predicting that Sinner and Alcaraz will continue to dominate at the top.

Carlos Alcaraz’s schedule for US Open first round

Second seed Carlos Alcaraz will begin his quest for a second US Open title on Monday night in New York. The world No. 2, fresh off his Cincinnati Masters triumph, opens against big-serving American Reilly Opelka. Their match is scheduled as the closing contest of the night session, following Venus Williams against Karolina Muchova.

Carlos Alcaraz Cincinnati Open 2025
Carlos Alcaraz (image via Tennis Channel)

Alcaraz, champion in New York in 2022, anchors the bottom half of the draw. His quarter features several heavyweights, including Ben Shelton, 2021 winner Daniil Medvedev, and 2022 finalist Casper Ruud. A deep run could set up a blockbuster semifinal against Novak Djokovic, who has a 5-3 head-to-head lead over the Spaniard.

The 22-year-old arrives at Flushing Meadows in excellent form. He leads the ATP Tour with 54 wins and six titles in 2025, including victories over Jannik Sinner in Rome, Roland Garros, and Cincinnati. His preparation is far more solid compared to last year, when he suffered a surprising second-round exit against Botic van de Zandschulp.

Beyond chasing another US Open crown, Alcaraz is also focused on the year-end No. 1 ranking. He currently leads Sinner by 1,890 points in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, with both already qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals. A strong showing in New York could push him closer to finishing the season at the very top.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic Sees Possibility of a ‘Third Guy’ in the Rivalry of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz