Maria Sharapova's fiance Alexander Gilkes congratulates Jannik Sinner after couple witness Italian's US Open 2024 triumph in person
Maria Sharapova's fiance Alexander Gilkes congratulated Jannik Sinner following his 2024 US Open triumph. The Italian defeated home hope Taylor Fritz in straight sets to lift the trophy at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Fritz became the first American to reach the US Open final since 2006, but Sinner proved too strong throughout the match. The Italian took the first set 6-3 with authority and maintained control in the second, winning 6-4. Although Fritz briefly ignited the home crowd's hopes by leading 5-3 in the third set, Sinner staged a remarkable comeback, winning four straight games to clinch the victory.
With this, Sinner secured his second singles Major title, the first being the Australian Open 2024. He also became the fourth man to win two hard-court Slams in the same season. Additionally, he improved his head-to-head record against Fritz to 2-1.
On a star-studded evening in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sinner’s triumph was also witnessed by five-time Major champion Maria Sharapova and her fiancé, Alexander Gilkes, from the stands. The British entrepreneur later congratulated the Italian via his Instagram story, sharing a clip from the trophy ceremony.
While Sinner became the first Italian male player to win the US Open, Fritz couldn't end America's title drought that has been on since Andy Roddick's victory in 2003.
"This title, for me, means so much": Jannik Sinner after the US Open win
Sinner, who overcame recent doping allegations related to his run at Indian Wells in March, performed exceptionally well during the North American hard-court swing, winning both the Cincinnati Open and the US Open. The World No. 1 reflected on how he overcame the challenging period in his career while emphasizing the importance of the US Open title.
"This title, for me, means so much, because the last period of my career was really not easy. What allowed me to do that was always the people who are close to me daily, people who know me already from when I was very young, and also my family and my team and everyone who supports me daily," Sinner said during the post-match ceremony (via ESPN).
"I always try to stick together with them, especially when the moments are getting difficult and tough, because I know that they can help me in these moments," he added.
With Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz winning all four Majors this season, it marked the first time since 2002 that no member of the Big Three (Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal) won a Slam in a single season.
Moreover, the Italian also earned 2000 ranking points and a hefty $3,600,000 by winning the New York Major.