Carlos Alcaraz overcame Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 in Sunday’s final to claim the US Open and secure World No 1 ranking.
The 19-year-old has become the youngest player to be ranked No 1 on the ATP charts, since they were introduced in 1973.
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Alcaraz is also the youngest Grand Slam champion since countryman Rafael Nadal, 19, lifted the trophy at Roland Garros in 2005, while he is the youngest US Open titlist since Pete Sampras, 19, in 1990.
The dream becomes reality.@carlosalcaraz is a Grand Slam champion. pic.twitter.com/sPFaAiVFNR
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2022
An emotional Alcaraz dropped to the floor following his historic victory as he received roars of support from the New York crowd.
He then climbed up to his player box to embrace his team, including coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
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“It is something I have dreamt of since I was a kid,” Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony.
“To be No. 1 in the world, to be champion of a Grand Slam, is something I have worked really, really hard [for].
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“It is tough to talk right now, I have lots of emotions. This is something I have tried to achieve. All the hard work I have done with my team and my family.
“I am just 19 years old, all the tough decisions have been with my parents and my team as well. It is something that is really special for me.”
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Alcaraz won three consecutive five-set matches to reach his first Grand Slam final, spending 20 hours and 19 minutes on court across six matches en route to the final.
However, he showed little sign of tiredness to defeat Ruud.
Casper #Ruud won a ridiculously high 65% (30/46) 2nd serve points v #Alcaraz in #USOpen final. He committed less errors (72-85) and won more points at the baseline (45% to 43%). He will probably never play a match that well & lose for the rest of his career. Bravo Casper! 👍🏼👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/v3EkPingPH
— Craig O'Shannessy 🇺🇦 (@BrainGameTennis) September 12, 2022
With the world watching in a winner-takes-all final, the Spaniard hit with explosive power and demonstrated impressive touch around the net, winning 34/45 (76 per cent) of net points.
The 19-year-old played aggressively and handled the pressure in the fourth set to earn his first major win after three hours and 20 minutes.
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Ruud, who was competing in his second major final after losing to Nadal at Roland Garros in June, was also bidding to become the 28th player and first Norwegian to jump to No. 1.
“Things have been going so well. Today was a special evening,” Ruud said during the trophy ceremony.
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“Both Carlos and I knew what we were playing for and what was at stake. We will be No. 2 and No. 1 in the world tomorrow, I think it is fitting.”
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