Carlos Alcaraz is the US Open champion! The Spaniard toppled Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 in three hours and 20 minutes for his first Major crown at 19 years and four months. Thus, Carlos became the youngest Major winner since Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros 2005.
Also, a super talented star is the new world no. 1, achieving that as the youngest player since the start of the ATP ranking in 1973! Carlos had a memorable run in New York, beating three consecutive rivals in five sets and prevailing over Ruud in a four-setter to become the youngest US Open winner after Pete Sampras.
Alcaraz fired 14 aces and fended off two set points in the crucial third set’s 12th game. He claimed the tie break and overpowered the Norwegian in the fourth set to fall to the ground and celebrate the title.
Carlos Alcaraz claimed the first Major crown in New York.
Casper played better behind the second serve and claimed only five points fewer than Carlos after a rock-solid performance in the second set when he had the upper hand.
Both players delivered three breaks of serve, and it was a tight battle from the start until the end, as they both chased the first Major trophy and the ATP throne. The returners missed their chances in the encounter’s opening games before Alcaraz grabbed a break for 2-1.
The Spaniard survived a break chance in game four to confirm the advantage and served well in the rest of the set for 6-4 after 49 minutes. Ruud took charge in the second set and played well behind the second serve. He built the advantage in the sixth game and wrapped up the set with another break in game eight for 6-2 and a massive boost ahead of set number three.
Carlos grabbed an early break in the third set, and Casper pulled it back in the fourth game for 2-2. They both served well until the 12th game when Alcaraz served to stay in the set for the second time. The youngster fended off two set points with brave tennis to introduce a tie break and gain a boost.
The Spaniard claimed it 7-1 for a huge momentum and two sets to one advantage. Alcaraz produced five comfortable holds in the fourth set and kept the pressure on the other side. He broke Ruud in game six and emerged at the top with a hold in game nine to lift the trophy and write history books.
