Former US Open champion Mats Wilander predictsthis year's winner at the final Major event of the season. The Swede sees Jannik Sinner as the main contender, placing the defending champion above Carlos Alcaraz.
Wilander argues that Sinner is less likely to suffer an early exit in New York. On the other hand, Alcaraz faces greater danger despite his remarkable consistency since April crowned with seven straight finals.
The two rivals have dominated the season, leaving everyone behind in the ATP Race and conquering almost all the notable titles, including three Majors. Wilander's assessment raises questions, as they come at theworst time forquestioning Alcaraz's consistency.
The Spaniard has led the ATP Race by nearly 2000 points. He has won six titles in 2025 and played in seven straight finals since April, liftingfive trophies and becoming the year-end no. 1 favorite.
Wilander is right about one thing. Carlos did lose early in New York last year after three deep runs at the 2022 title. The Spaniard fell to Botic van de Zandschulp following a pale performance.
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However, the young gun was still recovering from that tight Olympic Games gold medal match against Novak Djokovic in Paris. Things are completely different this season!
Carlos took charge from April and reached his career-best seven straight finals. He conquered Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, Queens and Cincinnati, winning those three Masters 1000 events for the first time.
He fell to Sinner in the Wimbledon final but bounced back in Cincinnati, clinching his 13th notable title at 22 and gathering a boost ahead of the US Open.
Alcaraz and Sinner are the main favorites in New York. The Italian experienced a setback in the Cincinnati final due to illness, but he should be ready to seek the title defense at the US Open in a couple of days.
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If everything goes right, we should see them in their third consecutive Major final.
"For me, Jannik is the main contender for the US Open title. His chances of losing early in the tournament are much lower than those of Carlos.
On the other hand, Carlos has reached every final in the last couple of months, playing consistent tennis and never losing to weaker opponents. However, his chances of an early exit in New York are still higher than Jannik's," Mats Wilander said.
