India, Sept. 8 -- Grand Slam finals can often be a test of the jangling nerves that many players, be it a first-timer or a serial champion, can take time settling into. Here's what Carlos Alcaraz dished out in the first five games of the US Open final against Jannik Sinner: a heady mixture of a slice and drop forehand winner, a retro serve and volley, a delectable drop shot, a breathtaking backhand half volley lifted from his ankles that slumped across the net.

This is a 22-year-old playing his biggest rival in a final at Arthur Ashe Stadium that had among its spectators US President Donald Trump. This is a losing Grand Slam finalist turning up to battle with the same opponent in the very next Slam. This is a crafty challenger, of that c...