Since returning to the US two weeks ago in Cincinnati, where he secured his 22nd career title as a springboard to the US Open, Alcaraz has maintained his signature optimistic smile. This time, however, his confidence seems even more pronounced, despite the venue being the site of a major upset last year when he lost to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round.

"I'm much better prepared now," Alcaraz asserted in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS. Last year, he arrived at Flushing Meadows physically and mentally exhausted after competing in the Paris Olympics. This year, the situation is entirely different, with Alcaraz appearing refreshed, eager, and energized.

Alcaraz returns a shot during the Cincinnati Open final against Sinner on 19/8. Photo: *AP*

The 22-year-old aims to shine over the next two weeks to further enhance an already exceptional 2025 season. Since the beginning of the year, he has claimed six titles – Rotterdam, Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, Queen’s, and Cincinnati – and is fiercely competing with Jannik Sinner for the world number one ranking. He also leads the ATP bonus points race, awarded at the end of the season to players who accumulate the most points in Masters 1000 tournaments and the ATP Finals. The El Palmar native currently holds 3,410 points, significantly ahead of Sinner in second place with 1,960.

The Italian player triumphed over Nadal in the Wimbledon final, but before that, suffered a demoralizing defeat in the Roland Garros final. Last week, due to illness, Sinner retired after only 23 minutes in the Cincinnati final against Alcaraz. In the same US Open warm-up tournament, the world number two overcame tough opponents like Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev en route to the final.

This was a turning point, as Alcaraz himself emphasized. "I feel like I've improved a lot, not just because of the win in Cincinnati, but because I feel I can withstand difficult matches, overcome tense moments on the court. I didn't have that feeling last year," he said.

At the 2024 US Open, Alcaraz was swept aside by Van de Zandschulp in a match where he quickly lost control and couldn't find a way to turn things around. Now, Alcaraz believes he's made significant strides mentally and tactically, making him a more formidable opponent.

"I didn't feel that strength last year," he shared. "This year, without the Olympics, I had more time for myself to rest, relax, and prepare thoroughly for Cincinnati. The results show I'm on the right track."

If he wins on 7/9 in New York, Alcaraz will reclaim the world number one spot, nearly two years after he last held it. At just 22, Alcaraz has become more experienced and consistent in recent months, displaying greater resilience and increasing control over matches, despite his style remaining largely driven by inspiration.

Along with Sinner, the two have consistently shared the spoils of the tennis world since 1/2024, with no one else truly able to break their duopoly. With their dominance, fans are hoping for the emergence of one or two new players who can change the dynamic, preventing tournaments from becoming predictable races to the final between these two.

Alcaraz embraces Sinner (in green) after winning the Roland Garros final on 8/6/2025. Photo: *AP*

"I think there are a lot of high-level players right now, although Sinner, with 63 consecutive weeks at number one, has shown his superiority. I've lost many times, and my matches are often more difficult than Jannik's. But recent results show that we are both leading the way," Alcaraz commented. "In the end, the one who deserves it will prevail. Whoever puts in the effort will achieve what they want. Whether I like it or not, there are excellent players who may be struggling, but they will eventually find their form again."

Alcaraz warned that neither he nor Sinner can afford to stagnate, or else those behind them, especially the rapidly improving younger players, will catch up. However, for now, that seems unlikely. As in Melbourne, Paris, and London, the scenario in New York may remain familiar, with Alcaraz and Sinner holding the upper hand. Alcaraz will take the court on the morning of 26/8 against Reilly Opelka, while Sinner faces Vit Kopriva that evening.

Alcaraz's first-round opponent, Opelka, is the tallest player on the ATP Tour at 2.11 meters. The American is currently ranked 66th in the world and has four titles to his name. In addition to his height, Opelka is known for his powerful serve, averaging 15.3 aces per match in 2025.

"It will be a very difficult match. I've never played against Opelka, and we all know his style of play. I need to be fully focused, try to return his serve as best as I can, and then we'll see. But right now, I'm very confident and ready," Alcaraz stated.

According to ATP statistics, Opelka wins 88.4% of his service games and has hit 598 aces this year. At the grass-court tournament in s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, he served 24 aces against Daniil Medvedev. And last year at the US Open, he recorded 23 aces against Lorenzo Musetti.

Compiled by Hoang Thong