By Kwame Bediako
Carlos Alcaraz reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the PIF ATP Rankings on Sunday, September 7, 2025, by defeating rival Jannik Sinner in the US Open final. The 22-year-old Spaniard sealed his return to the top for the first time since 2023 with a commanding 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over the Italian. This win marks the beginning of Alcaraz’s fifth stint as World No. 1 and his 37th week overall at the summit.
Alcaraz had already taken the lead in the PIF ATP Live Rankings at the start of the tournament, applying significant pressure on Sinner throughout. The US Open final was a high-stakes encounter between two of the sport’s brightest stars, with Alcaraz showcasing his resilience and skill to clinch the title and confirm his place atop the rankings once more.
The Spaniard’s rise has been meteoric since his breakthrough in 2022 when he won his first major by beating Casper Ruud in the US Open final. That historic victory made Alcaraz the youngest man ever to become World No. 1 at just 19 years and four months old. Now, nearly three years later, he has returned to the pinnacle of men’s tennis by besting Sinner in another winner-takes-all showdown.
Jannik Sinner, the first Italian to claim the No. 1 ranking on June 10, 2024, had held the top spot for an impressive 65 consecutive weeks. His reign ranks as the fourth-longest in history, trailing legends such as Roger Federer, Jimmy Connors, and Lleyton Hewitt, highlighting the intense competition at the sport’s highest level.
With a Tour-leading 61 wins and seven titles in 2025, Carlos Alcaraz is well positioned to contend for the ATP Year-End No. 1 honours once again. At 22, his talent and consistency suggest that he may continue to dominate the men’s game as he chases further historic milestones in the years to come.
