The Second Serve Crowns Alcaraz–Sinner 2022 US Open Clash as No. 1 Match of the Century So Far

Overview

• The series concludes with No. 1 awarded to Carlos Alcaraz’s five-set win over Jannik Sinner in the 2022 US Open quarterfinals, a late‑night match cited as a marker of the post–Big Three era.
• Entries ranked Nos. 5–2 are Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova at the 2005 Australian Open, Rafael Nadal vs. Fernando Verdasco at the 2009 Australian Open, Iga Świątek vs. Aryna Sabalenka in the 2024 Madrid final, and Venus Williams vs. Lindsay Davenport in the 2005 Wimbledon final.
• Serena Williams’s 2005 Melbourne comeback over Sharapova is framed as a turning point, noting Sharapova twice served for the match and held three match points before Williams prevailed 2–6, 7–5, 8–6.
• Rafael Nadal’s 2009 semifinal with Fernando Verdasco is described as a five‑hour, 14‑minute marathon ending 1:07 a.m., featuring Verdasco’s 95 winners and Nadal’s 25 unforced errors across 385 points.
• Iga Świątek’s 2024 Madrid win over Aryna Sabalenka is presented as the rivalry’s crown jewel decided by a third‑set tiebreak, while Venus Williams’s 2005 Wimbledon triumph over Lindsay Davenport highlights a saved championship point en route to a 4–6, 7–6, 9–7 victory.