Tennis-Sinner's championship character shines through US Open loss

Sep 7, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) in action against Jannik Sinner (ITA) (not pictured) during the final of mens singles at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

NEW YORK (Reuters) -When Jannik Sinner walked off the Arthur Ashe Stadium court after falling 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 to Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday's U.S. Open final, more than just a match had ended.

The 24-year-old Italian's 65-week reign as world number one was over, his 27-match winning streak on hardcourts at the Grand Slam level had snapped, and his bid to defend his 2024 U.S. Open title had failed.