New York: Carlos Alcaraz reasserted his supremacy over Jannik Sinner on Sunday, defeating the Italian in four sets to win his second US Open crown and sixth Grand Slam title in a rivalry that has come to define men’s tennis.

The 22-year-old Spaniard prevailed 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in a final delayed by the attendance of US President Donald Trump. With victory, Alcaraz avenged his lone defeat in a major final, at Wimbledon in July, to Sinner, and reclaimed the world No.1 ranking, ending Sinner’s 27-match winning streak at hard-court Grand Slams.

“I tried my best today. I couldn’t do more,” said Sinner, who also fell to Alcaraz in a marathon French Open final in June.

Alcaraz, who now leads their head-to-head 10-5 and has won seven of their past eight encounters, joked afterwards: “I’m seeing you more than my family.”

The pair have split the last eight Grand Slams between them, four apiece, leaving legends like Novak Djokovic trailing in their wake. Yet while Sinner has dominated the rest of the field with a 109-4 record over the past two seasons, Alcaraz has consistently had his measure.

Sinner’s defeat also prolongs a barren streak at Flushing Meadows: no man has defended the US Open title since Roger Federer’s run of five in a row from 2004 to 2008.

Alcaraz takes control

Alcaraz broke Sinner immediately and raced to a 5-2 lead, closing the first set to love. With many fans still finding their seats, Sinner hit back in the second, pouncing on an Alcaraz dip in form to level the match.

But the Spaniard quickly reasserted himself, breaking early in the third set and dazzling the crowd with a spectacular baseline smash to escape trouble. He stormed through the set 6-1 and maintained the pressure in the fourth.

Although Sinner saved two early break points, Alcaraz struck decisively in the fifth game and never looked back, sealing victory to become only the fourth man to win multiple majors on hard court, grass and clay.

Trump visit delays start

Anticipation for the third consecutive Grand Slam final between the top two players in the world grew further with Trump’s arrival at Arthur Ashe Stadium. His presence triggered tighter security, delaying the start by 30 minutes and leaving the 23,000-seat venue only three-quarters full when play began.

Trump waved to the crowd before the national anthem, greeted by a mix of cheers and boos. A colder response followed later when cameras showed him on the big screen.

Also in attendance were rock legend Bruce Springsteen, designer Tommy Hilfiger, actor Michael Douglas, and basketball star Stephen Curry.