Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner arrive at September with heavy workloads behind them and differing short-term plans. Across a month of high-stakes finals in North America, the pair reached back-to-back title matches and logged 13 matches each, although the Cincinnati final was cut short.

After meeting in the Wimbledon final, where Sinner emerged victorious, both skipped the Canadian Open and then reunited in Cincinnati. Alcaraz lifted the trophy after his rival retired while trailing 0-5 due to illness. They were the last two standing again at the US Open, with Alcaraz going on to win the title.

Alcaraz was due to play for Spain in the Davis Cup Qualifiers second-round rubber against Denmark in Marbella but has withdrawn, the federation citing fatigue. With Italy already through to the Davis Cup Final 8 play-offs in Bologna, Sinner will not be in action for his nation this round either.

Six-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz will return to competition at the Laver Cup, representing Team Europe in San Francisco alongside Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Jakub Mensik and Flavio Cobolli. It will be his second appearance at the annual team event after debuting in 2024. Sinner has again opted not to take part.

The two will head to the Asia swing on different paths. Sinner is entered at the China Open while Alcaraz will make his debut at the Japan Open; both tournaments run from September 24-30. They both played in Beijing last year and reached the final there, with Alcaraz prevailing in a three-set match.

The next event likely to put them in the same draw is the Shanghai Masters, which begins October 1. Sinner enters as the defending champion after beating Novak Djokovic in the final 12 months ago; Alcaraz lost in the Shanghai quarter-final to Tomas Machac.

Their programmes for the late regular season remain flexible. They did not play at the Vienna Open or Swiss Indoors in 2024 before Alcaraz returned at the Paris Masters and lost in the third round. Sinner was initially on the Paris entry list but withdrew due to illness. Both have already secured places at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, provided they are fit and healthy.

A lighthearted but awkward moment punctuated the winners’ media duties after a dramatic US Open weekend when Aryna Sabalenka mistakenly called Carlos Alcaraz by his rival’s name while sitting beside him. The slip drew audible laughter in the studio and an embarrassed reaction from both players.

Sabalenka had secured her second US Open title by defeating Amanda Anisimova in the women’s final. Alcaraz followed with a win over his great rival Jannik Sinner in the men’s final. The two champions later reflected on their shared success, which included record prize money of $5m each.

During the joint appearance Sabalenka outlined a plan to make social content with Alcaraz, but the moment went awry when she used the wrong name. “I have a TikTok video to do with Jannik,” he said, before recoiling in embarrassment as she realised she had mentioned the deposed world No 1 by mistake. Alcaraz made a motion to leave the studio after the incident, prompting more laughter, but the pair later reconciled on camera and performed a cheeky TikTok dance while holding their US Open trophies.

Alcaraz spoke about the rivalry that has defined his recent seasons, crediting it for pushing him. “I think we push each other to the limit every time and my practice is just focused on seeing how I could be better just to beat Jannik,” said Alcaraz, as he reflected on his thrilling rivalry with Sinner. “That rivalry is special, splitting the Grand Slams, fighting for the great things, and then seeing that thanks to him I’m just a better player. I think the rivalry is great for that.”

Sabalenka reflected on her own journey this season and the satisfaction of returning to the top. “It was an incredible couple of weeks and it’s insane to hold this trophy again,” she declared. “Right now, I’m still in the process of realising what has happened. I enjoyed my journey here and I just enjoying holding this baby again.

“I had to learn some really tough lessons earlier this season. I needed to learn something about myself to go out at the US Open and bring my best tennis and my best fight. I needed to control myself and it feels great.” The two champions now sit at the summit of the rankings and offered an engaging end to a memorable fortnight.

Jack Draper has confirmed he will miss the remainder of the 2025 season because of a left arm injury that forced him to withdraw from the US Open. The British left-hander pulled out ahead of his second-round match with Zizou Bergs after winning his opening match in Queens, and the problem follows an absence from Toronto and Cincinnati earlier in the summer.

On Monday Draper said the issue in his left arm will require extended rest. “Unfortunately, the injury to my arm is something I have to rest and means I’ll be sitting out the rest of 2025. It is very difficult for me to accept as I was building some incredible momentum this year and playing some great stuff,” the 2024 US Open semifinalist wrote on his social media.

The 23-year-old’s season was split between breakthrough results and a long injury interruption. Draper captured his first ATP Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, finished runner-up at the Mutua Madrid Open and climbed into the top five of the ATP rankings. A run to the semifinals at The Queen’s Club preceded a sharp reduction in match play; after that London run he appeared in only two more events.

At Wimbledon the London native lost to Marin Cilic in the second round, then was diagnosed with a bone bruise to his left humerus that left him unable to serve for a month. The world No. 7 did not play a singles match again that season, reappearing on court when he partnered Jessica Pegula to the semifinals of the US Open’s reimagined mixed doubles event while also debuting a new partnership with Vuori during Fan Week at Flushing Meadows.

Draper closed his message with a familiar resolve. “I’ve been through this before and I always come back stronger as I’m so motivated to fulfill my potential as a player,” he declared. “Huge thanks to everyone who backs me to do well and supports me on my journey. Can’t wait to get back out there and give it my all. See you soon!”