Jannik Sinner has joined the growing list of stars who have fallen victim to the ‘Drake Curse’. The rapper, who is known to place huge bets on sporting events, had so much faith the Italian could oust Carlos Alcaraz at this year’s US Open that he wagered a whopping $300,000 — but once again, things didn’t quite go the way he’d planned.

Alcaraz toppled Sinner in New York City on Sunday, clinching the No.1 spot following a four-set thriller that was witnessed by US President, Donald Trump. The Spaniard defeated his rival 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to claim the Grand Slam after what was initially a delayed start to proceedings following increased security measures for attendees.

The Drake Curse has been blamed for several losses over the last fews years, including the $210,000 put on American star Taylor Fritz to beat Sinner at last year’s US Open final. A website that tracks Drake’s announced bets says the musician is a staggering $115,000 down on tennis alone, which would have been much higher had he not cut his losses with successfully predicting Sinner to win the Australian Open back in January.

It would only take a swift two hours and 42 minutes for the star-studded clash to come to its crunching conclusion, with all four sets closely contested, and only moments of true wonder for Alcaraz helping him get over the line.

Alcaraz would secure the win with an ace on his third championship point, celebrating by throwing his hands in the air over his head with that trademark smile that has garnered him so many fans over the years.

Speaking to the media after the win, Alcaraz said: “For me, achieving [the No. 1 ranking] once again, it is a dream. Doing in the same day as getting another Grand Slam feels even better.

“It’s everything I’m working for, and I’m really happy to be able to live these experiences.”

It was to no one’s surprise, however, that once again a major final was battled between Alcaraz and Sinner. The duo have collectively dominated the tour in recent years, combining to win all eight of the major titles in 2024 and 2025, winning four each.

When they went face to face on Sunday, the first time in the US Open since their first-ever meeting in that classic marathon quarter-final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2022, they made tennis history having played each other in three consecutive Slam finals within a single season.

READ MORE

“I’m seeing you more than my family,” Alcaraz joked as he looked toward Sinner during the trophy ceremony.

“It’s great to share the court, to share the locker rooms, everything.”

Speaking on the Spaniard’s performance, Sinner said: “I felt like he was a bit cleaner today. You know, the things what I did well in London, he did better today.

“I felt like he was doing everything slightly better today, especially serving, both sides, both swings very clean.

“He raised his level when he had to, so yeah, I mean, I’m still proud of myself, about the season I’m playing and making. But yeah, he played better than me today.”