Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Carlos Alcaraz scripted history as he broke the legendary Pete Sampras' long-standing record after winning his maiden Cincinnati Open title on Tuesday. World no.2 Alcaraz won the men's singles final at the Lindner Family Tennis Centre in Ohio, US, after his arch-rival Jannik Sinner was forced to retire due to illness.
Struggling with illness, Sinner lasted only five points into the first set against Alcaraz in the final before deciding to retire. The world no.1, who defeated Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final earlier this year, was trailing 0-5 at the time of quitting the contest. Defending champion Sinner's withdrawal saw Alcaraz win his maiden Cincinnati Open title.
With his victory, Alcaraz broke Sampras' 31-year-old record to become the youngest male player in history to win all four major titles on American soil. The Cincinnati Open title was the only trophy missing from the Spaniard's cabinet, having won the US Open, and the other two American ATP events - the Miami Open and the Indian Wells in his career.
Alcaraz has now all four big tennis tournaments that take place in the US. Alcaraz has achieved the feat at the age of 22 years and 3 months, surpassing Sampras, who won all four titles on American soil at the age of 22 years and 7 months in the year 1994. The legendary Roger Federer is at the 3rd spot, having won all 4 American titles at 24 in 2005.
Carlos Alcaraz - 22 years and 3 months - 2025
Pete Sampras - 22 years and 7 months - 1994
Roger Federer - 24 years - 2005
Alcaraz also became the sixth youngest player to reach 22 ATP titles in his career. His idol, Rafael Nadal, is the only player in the 21st century to have won 22 ATP titles at a younger age. Alcaraz also left behind 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic (23 years and 344 days) to become the second-youngest player to win 8 ATP 1000 titles, behind only Nadal, who achieved the feat at the age of 20 years and 315 days.
Alcaraz will head into the upcoming US Open 2025 on a confident note after his strong showing in the Cincinnati Open and will be aiming to lift his second title at Flushing Meadows. Sinner and Alcaraz have shared the last seven Grand Slam crowns between them, and the Italian is once again expected to be the biggest rival for world no.2 at the US Open this year.
