'Sincaraz' rivalry readies for next clash at US Open final

Carlos Alcaraz overpowered Novak Djokovic on Friday to set up a blockbuster US Open final against world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner.

Spanish second seed Alcaraz produced a ruthlessly efficient display to end Djokovic's pursuit for a record 25th Grand Slam title. He was followed into the final by arch-rival Sinner, who wrapped up a gruelling semi-final against Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

The epic 'Sincaraz' rivalry clashes in their third consecutive Grand Slam final this year on Sunday.

Earlier this season, the 24-year-old Sinner captured the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles but lost to Alcaraz, 22, in an epic five-set battle at the French Open. Playing his fifth successive Grand Slam final this season, the Italian champion expects the upcoming final to be another "special" occasion, where the winner will be asured of the world number one ranking. 

"On court we like to see each other, you know, because it means that considering our ranking, it means that we are doing well in the tournament," said Sinner. 

Sinner's date with Alcaraz is also a rematch of their famous 2022 US Open quarter-final five-setter, which finished at around 2.50am and remains the latest finish in tournament history.

"Sunday is a very special day and an amazing final again. I feel like our rivalry started here playing an amazing match," Sinner said in a nod to their 2022 classic.

The popular 'Sincaraz' rivalry is increasingly catching the attention of the sporting world. "It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner, Alcaraz, in the best-of-five on the Grand Slams," the 38-year-old Novak Djokovic told Reuters.

Sunday's final meanwhile will have a rare visit from a sitting US President after confirmation earlier Friday that Donald Trump plans to attend the tennis showpiece.

(With inputs from AFP)