The 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz is seeking a place in the US Open history books in the upcoming two weeks. The young Spaniard will try to become the first defending champion in New York since Roger Federer, who lifted five consecutive titles between 2004 and 2008. No one has achieved that after the great Swiss, not even Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz is among the favorites at this year’s event alongside Djokovic, leading the draw and hoping for another deep New York run. Carlos will have to pass Jannik Sinner in the quarter-final, just like a year ago when they embraced a thrilling battle that saw a match point for the Italian.
Alcaraz prevailed in a five-setter and topped Frances Tiafoe in the semi-final to advance to his first Major final at 19 years and four months. Carlos met Casper Ruud in the title clash and scored a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 triumph in three hours and 20 minutes, becoming the youngest Major winner since Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros 2005! Also, a super talented star became the new world no. 1, achieving that as the youngest player since the start of the ATP ranking in 1973! 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 is trying to become the first US Open defending champion since 2008.
Casper played better behind the second serve. He 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. Carlos grabbed an early break in the third set, and Casper pulled it back in the fourth game for 2-2 and more drama. They played well in service games 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 and introduced a tie break. The Spaniard claimed it 7-1 for considerable momentum and two sets to one advantage. Alcaraz produced five comfortable holds in the fourth set, keeping 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.
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