2025 US Open Final: Alcaraz vs. Sinner

[Moxie]

We've heard you mention this before many times. I don't agree with the Monday final. It was a horrible idea when they did it and I hope it never returns. No one is watching a final on a Mon. As Mox said, folks in NY have to work. The 4pm start used to put it up against the NFL late games. There are only 3-4 late games as the rest are played early. 4pm would be better than 2pm when they are going against the brunt of the early games and the RedZone. 7pm would be even better as they would only have to go up against 1 game that airs at 8pm on NBC.

But the problem with 7pm ET is that it's 1am in Europe, midnight in England. Tennis is an international sport. You can't make everyone happy, but you can make it more convenient for the most viewers. It's one day, and early in the NFL calendar. Folks who really care about both will watch on two screens.

As to the Monday final, it's not just New Yorker's attending in person. People watching at home have to work on Monday, too. You'll never get the same number of eyeballs on a Monday.

 

[Moxie]

Roger Federer was the last player at the USO not to lose a set going into the USO final in 2015

Yes, but he lost the final to Novak in 4. Apparently, it hasn't been done in the Open era. Alcaraz could be the first, though I doubt he'll win in straights.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Yes, but he lost the final to Novak in 4. Apparently, it hasn't been done in the Open era. Alcaraz could be the first, though I doubt he'll win in straights.

I said he was the last player to go into the USO not losing a set, yes I realize it hasnt been done in the Open Era
According to most Alcaraz has this title in his back pocket

 

[Moxie]

I said he was the last player to go into the USO not losing a set, yes I realize it hasnt been done in the Open Era
According to most Alcaraz has this title in his back pocket

I saw that you qualified it, and I had to google to find out the rest. I was only reporting what I learned.

Only a foolish person would say that Alcaraz has this "in his back pocket." It's just that he's looking good for it. These two have a good rivalry going, and maybe the only thing that would shock me is if it's over in 3 sets, either way. To me, we should make the popcorn and tuck in for a long one. I haven't looked at the betting odds. I think you all know I sneer at them a bit. I doubt that either is heavily favored.

 

[Fiero425]

I feel like I'm in a time warp of some kind seeing the name Zeballos! I haven't seen that name since he defeated Nadal in a 250 event down in Chile back in 2013! He's older than Novak at 40! Shocking! The guy only won that 1 tournament in Single, I guess becoming a double's specialist winning 26 tournaments including this USO & '25 FO w/ Granollers! IIRC, Nadal was on another rehab. stint making the rounds in So. American to get back in shape after a disappointing 2012 falling to YE #4 behind Murray!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I saw that you qualified it, and I had to google to find out the rest. I was only reporting what I learned.

Only a foolish person would say that Alcaraz has this "in his back pocket." It's just that he's looking good for it. These two have a good rivalry going, and maybe the only thing that would shock me is if it's over in 3 sets, either way. To me, we should make the popcorn and tuck in for a long one. I haven't looked at the betting odds. I think you all know I sneer at them a bit. I doubt that either is heavily favored.

I dont take notice of peoples comments, even on this board, I understand people have their favorites,
We shall see who brings home the trophy and the last major of the year tomorrow., they have been the best 2 consistent players all year and deserve their spot in the final
My ongoing wish is that other players would 'step up' I much prefer a even playing field, even in the era of the Big 3

 

[Moxie]

"Experts," such as they are, are divided. Betting odds favor Sinner:

Experts' picks: Who will win the US Open title?

Sinner and Alcaraz will face off yet again in the US Open final Sunday. Our experts weigh in on how each can win.

www.espn.com

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Moxie, if you are around,

The last man to win the USO without losing a set was the late Aussie Neale Fraser in 1960.
This does not count in the Open Era, because the Open Era began in tennis in 1968.
The 1960 tournament was part of the amateur era before professional players were allowed to compete alongside amateurs.

 

[Vince Evert]

I think Djoke might have done it one year. But honestly, I don't see either one doing this tomorrow. Usually their matches go 4 or 5 sets.

just had a look in over at Talk Tennis and "Mustard" answers:

"The male players who have won a major in the open era without dropping a set are:

Ken Rosewall : 1971 Australian Open
Ilie Nastase : 1973 French Open
Bjorn Borg : 1976 Wimbledon, 1978 French Open, 1980 French Open
Roger Federer : 2007 Australian Open, 2017 Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal : 2008 French Open, 2010 French Open, 2017 French Open, 2020 French Open

 

[Kieran]

It can be a hindrance to a player, reaching the final without dropping a set. We can say it’s a sign of great form - which it is, with Carlos - but it can also mean the player isn’t fully prepared if the match is a brawl. They need to be punched, as well as doing all the punching.

Their hard court record is in favour of Carlos, he’s won their only match in New York, another great match where he saved match point, and he looks more busy and focused this year, which might mean trouble for Jannik.

But Jannik is locked in too, he’s stubborn, incredibly composed and intelligent out there, he’s hitting as well as he can.

If they’re both at their best, Carlos in five. But I think it’ll go to four.

I agree with anyone who says 2pm is a lousy time to start. It’s going to be incredibly hot, I imagine. What was a wrong with the old 4pm slot?

 

[Jelenafan]

The crowd I’m guessing will be squarely in Carlos’ corner.

 

[Moxie]

The crowd I’m guessing will be squarely in Carlos’ corner.

He's a crowd pleaser, but there are a lot of Italians and Italian-Americans here, and they do turn out and fly the "tricolore."

 

[Federberg]

just had a look in over at Talk Tennis and "Mustard" answers:

"The male players who have won a major in the open era without dropping a set are:

Ken Rosewall : 1971 Australian Open
Ilie Nastase : 1973 French Open
Bjorn Borg : 1976 Wimbledon, 1978 French Open, 1980 French Open
Roger Federer : 2007 Australian Open, 2017 Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal : 2008 French Open, 2010 French Open, 2017 French Open, 2020 French Open

wow! You mean mighty Novak hasn't done this?

I have to just say... Rafa!

 

[Federberg]

I hear Sinner has an abductor strain? If that's true then this could be routine. These two are simply too close, anything at the margin is likely to be hugely decisive

 

[Moxie]

I hear Sinner has an abductor strain? If that's true then this could be routine. These two are simply too close, anything at the margin is likely to be hugely decisive

I find nothing on that. On Friday, during the SF, he did see the trainer for something he felt in the abdominal region, however. But he later said it was nothing to worry about.

 

[Fiero425]

just had a look in over at Talk Tennis and "Mustard" answers:

"The male players who have won a major in the open era without dropping a set are:

Ken Rosewall : 1971 Australian Open
Ilie Nastase : 1973 French Open
Bjorn Borg : 1976 Wimbledon, 1978 French Open, 1980 French Open
Roger Federer : 2007 Australian Open, 2017 Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal : 2008 French Open, 2010 French Open, 2017 French Open, 2020 French Open

There's been "near perfection" at the USO a few times! OTTH, Lendl won his '85 USO dropping a set to some kid early in the tourn. by the name of Yzaga! When Dokovic won his last one in '23, he literally donated 2 sets to his countryman Djere, but otherwise ran thru the draw w/o difficulty! Went on to take another Paris Masters & the YEC! He was on a true heater as the old man of the tour's elite!

 

[don_fabio]

My ongoing wish is that other players would 'step up' I much prefer a even playing field, even in the era of the Big 3

The gap between Alcaraz/Sinner compared to the rest of the field is so huge right now. Novak is in-between and even he loses in 3 sets, but is still a sure bet against the rest of the guys (at least on GS). Alcaraz and Sinner can now win against the rest of the field with their B or C game.

 

[don_fabio]

It can be a hindrance to a player, reaching the final without dropping a set. We can say it’s a sign of great form - which it is, with Carlos - but it can also mean the player isn’t fully prepared if the match is a brawl. They need to be punched, as well as doing all the punching.

Their hard court record is in favour of Carlos, he’s won their only match in New York, another great match where he saved match point, and he looks more busy and focused this year, which might mean trouble for Jannik.

But Jannik is locked in too, he’s stubborn, incredibly composed and intelligent out there, he’s hitting as well as he can.

If they’re both at their best, Carlos in five. But I think it’ll go to four.

I agree with anyone who says 2pm is a lousy time to start. It’s going to be incredibly hot, I imagine. What was a wrong with the old 4pm slot?

I can see Alcaraz win this in 4 sets. It would be better if Alcaraz was tested more in previous rounds, but dominant wins are good for the confidence too. Winning in 3 is not out of reach, you never know, but Sinner is probably too good to lose it that easily. He needs to be hampered or in poor form. It can also go the other way too. If Alcaraz is not up to the task and starts playing with too much force and impatience, the match will be similar to Wimbledon. What I would like to see quality wise is more of an RG final and less of a Wimbledon. It's best for the fans if they play peak level at the same time during some parts of the match.

They are really starting too early. Don't know why they adandoned 4pm slot, perhaps something related with tv rights and trying to get more viewers.

 

[El Dude]

I have no prediction for this one. To me that's the great thing about this rivalry: it is so close, that either could win any match on any surface. As I think Federberg said above, they're so close that anything on the edge, any tiny difference like a nagging injury, could make the difference. But if both are fully healthy, then it is a toss-up - on any surface, even if I'd still slightly favor Carlos on clay, Jannik on hards, and about even on grass.

I suppose if I had to bet, I'd say Carlos will win this. For one, it just feels like this is his match to win. For the other, I think given their rivalry, it is almost harder to be the last man to win, so holding Carlos offer for a second Slam in a row will be really, really hard for Jannik - Carlos will be as focused as he possibly can be, which is scary and leaves no room for error for Jannik. Finally, I still see Jannik as a touch fragile - I think something could go wrong more easily with him.

But it is very close, and I won't be surprised by any result except a three-set blow-out on either side.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

The gap between Alcaraz/Sinner compared to the rest of the field is so huge right now. Novak is in-between and even he loses in 3 sets, but is still a sure bet against the rest of the guys (at least on GS). Alcaraz and Sinner can now win against the rest of the field with their B or C game.

I realize that Don with the gap being so huge between Alcaraz and Sinner and the rest of the field, I have always preferred a even playing field, it makes you want to watch tennis, at present the same 2 sharing the silver ware in GS and other tournaments, the outcome is the same
Quite frankly we havent had many good matches at the USO this year,
I will still keep wishing and hoping that players can hopefully step up to the mark and challenge.