Carlos Alcaraz became the world number one on Sunday night after clinching his first Grand Slam title at the age of just 19 years old, downing Casper Ruud in four sets.It was Alcarazâs first major final, with Ruud taking part in his second, however, he was unable to call upon his previous experience against the teenage hotshot.The victory saw Alcaraz become the youngest menâs Grand Slam champion since 2005 when Rafael Nadal won the French Open. He also became the youngest US Open finalist in the menâs bracket after Pete Sampras was victorious in 1990.
Dreams achieved
Whoever emerged victorious was going to replace Daniil Medvedev at the top of the world rankings, but Alcaraz becomes the first to top the rankings whilst still being a teenager. No other pre-20 year-old has been able to achieve that in the 49-year history of ATP rankings.
Spanish sensation Alcaraz secured the first set 6-4 before crumbling to a 6-2 loss in the second. After a 7-1 tiebreak win, he was just a set away from history, rising to the occasion and brushing Ruud aside 6-3.
After the match, Alcaraz stated: âThis is something which I dreamt of since I was a kid, being number one in the world and a champion of a Grand Slam. It is something I have worked very hard for. It is really, really special.â
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates winning the third set tiebreak against Casper Ruud of Norway during their Menâs Singles Final match on Day Fourteen of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadalâs message of support
Rafa, who was the man who downed Ruud in his first major final, dominating him in a one-sided clash at Roland Garros earlier this year, gave his verdict on Sundayâs final.
Taking to Twitter after the match, Nadal stated: âCongratulations @carlosalcaraz for your first Grand Slam and for number 1, which is the culmination of your first great season, which I am sure will be many more!
âGreat effort @CasperRuud98! Very proud of you! Tough luck today but amazing tournament and season! Keep going!â
MASON, OHIO - AUGUST 14: Rafael Nadal of Spain fields questions from the media during the Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 14, 2022 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
A classy message from one of the greatest players of all time, offering support to console Ruud in such a difficult time whilst celebrating his countryman for following in his footsteps and becoming a Grand Slam winner and world number one.
Nadal himself was knocked out of the tournament in the round of 16 after home favourite Frances Tiafoe dispatched him in four sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to book his place in the quarter-finals.
He admitted he doesnât know when heâll return to the court with his injury problems impacting him heavily recently, but the 36-year-old has managed to battle on and win two Grand Slams this year!