Carlos Alcaraz Makes Feelings Clear on Dethroning Jannik Sinner From the Top at the US Open

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost here! The US Open is heading into its semifinal rounds and the 2022 champion is right back in the mix. After taking down an improved Jiri Lehecka, Carlos Alcaraz moves one step closer to another shot at Grand Slam glory. On top of that, the race for the No.1 crown — currently in the hands of his rival Jannik Sinner — is also on the line. Could the pressure of chasing it all slow down the Spaniard?

Unlikely! Alcaraz has looked unstoppable in New York this year. He hasn’t dropped a single set all tournament. Even against the Czech, he made it look clean, cruising to a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win. When the spotlight turned to the battle for World No.1, he made his feelings clear.

“Well, it’s really difficult not to think about it. I mean, that’s obviously, but everytime I step on the court I’m trying not to think about it,” Carlos Alcaraz admitted in his post-match interview. “I feel if I think about the No.1 spot too much, I’m gonna, bring pressure on myself. And I just don’t want to do that, so I guess I want to step on the court, try to do my things. Try to follow my coach and the match and try to enjoy as much as I can so the No.1 is there, but I’m trying not to think so much about it.”

Carlos Alcaraz on the possibility of retaking the #1 ranking at the U.S. Open:

“It’s really difficult not to think about it. Every time I step on court I try not to think about it. If I think about the #1 spot too much I’m gonna put pressure on myself. I just want to step on the… pic.twitter.com/hwptVBeaHX

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 2, 2025

The mindset is spot on — and it sets him up perfectly for a possible showdown with Sinner in the final. Their head-to-head stands at 9-5, with Carlos holding the advantage. This year, he beat the Italian at both Rome and Paris. But Sinner struck back at the biggest stage, downing Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. Cincinnati added another twist to that rivalry, but Sinner’s withdrawal due to illness left fans waiting for the rematch.

Now, Sinner is healthy again and making his way through his side of the draw. Alcaraz knows the challenge ahead is no easy task.

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