‘Be afraid’ – Carlos Alcaraz sends frightening message to rivals moments after winning US Open
Carlos Alcaraz has claimed he is yet to reach his 'best version' despite winning a sixth Grand Slam title.
The Spaniard claimed his second US Open triumph in New York City on Sunday night.
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Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 as he also snatched the world number one spot from the Italian.
In doing so, he becomes the second-youngest player in the Open Era to win six Grand Slam titles.
Only Bjorn Borg was able to achieve the feat sooner after winning the sixth of his 11 majors at 22 years and 32 days.
Alcaraz is already aiming for more success, though, after issuing a defiant message to his rivals following the final.
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Speaking during his post-match press conference, he admitted: "I think I’m at the best version of my career so far, but not yet at 100 per cent.
"At 22-years-old, it’s difficult to already be at your maximum level. Little by little I’ll keep improving to try and get there. The best Carlos hasn’t come out yet."
His comments have left fans worried for his rivals, with one commenting: "Be afraid, everyone else. Be very afraid."
Another added: "He’s just going to keep getting better."
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Meanwhile, a third also wrote: "Could you imagine him at 100 per cent?!"
Alcaraz also paid tribute to his coaches and family after securing a seventh title of the year at Flushing Meadows.
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During the trophy presentation he explained: "My team, my family, I am really lucky to have you guys, to be honest.
"The hard work you do to make me even better, not only in the professional part, but the personal part as well.
"Every achievement that I am [making] is thanks to you, and this one is no less, it’s also yours."
Alcaraz and Sinner's rivalry
The US Open final was the 15th professional meeting between Alcaraz and Sinner.
Of those, the last six have been in a final, including this year's French Open, Wimbledon and now US Open.
Alcaraz's victory saw him gain revenge for July's Wimbledon showpiece, which ended with Sinner triumphing in four sets.
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However, that win is the only time Sinner has beaten his rival in their last eight meetings dating back to 2023.
The 24-year-old revealed after Sunday's clash that he must become 'more unpredictable' to improve going forward.
He explained: "I didn’t make one serve and volley. I didn’t use a lot of drop shots.
"Then you arrive at the point where you have to play Carlos, you have to go out of the comfort zone.
"I’m gonna aim, maybe even lose some matches from now on, but trying to do some changes. To be a bit more unpredictable as a player.
"That’s what I have to do, trying to become a better tennis player. At the end of the day that’s my main goal."
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Despite his losses to Alcaraz, Sinner has claimed two Grand Slam titles so far this year.
They include his second Australian Open triumph, which saw him beat Alexander Zverev in the final in Melbourne.