When Sinner triumphed in the Wimbledon final two months ago, Alcaraz was made acutely aware of what he needed to do to ensure the same did not happen in New York.
Alcaraz and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero instantly identified what they needed to fix – but are keeping it a secret.
“For sure, Simone [Vagnozzi, Sinner’s coach] will hear,” said Ferrero shortly after his charge’s victory.
Alcaraz was the outstanding player at Flushing Meadows, not dropping a set until the final, and was virtually impregnable on serve.
The way in which the 22-year-old regained the US Open title and number one ranking has been a product of the intense work he has done to develop his game.
At the start of the year, Alcaraz and Ferrero highlighted the importance of improving his serve.
The opening shot has continued to be a work in progress, ultimately breaking down in his Wimbledon loss, but it was key to his success over the past fortnight.
The statistics underline it:
Alcaraz’s success in all facets of the game – not just the serve – was down to an improved mentality, as much as technique.
Often accused of lacking concentration and letting opponents back into matches, Alcaraz possessed a laser-focus throughout the tournament.
It allowed him to serve with pace and precision, as well as playing with variety in the rallies, using spin, slice and power to confound Sinner.
Alcaraz put the unwavering focus down to his growing maturity.
“I feel it is best tournament I’ve played from the first round to the end,” he said.
