(CNN Spanish) — At 19 years old Carlos Alcaraz Tennis is already great: he beat Casper Ruud in 4 mushrooms in the US Open final and climbed to the top of the ATP world ranking.
In a close match at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York, the Spaniard won 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 against the Norwegian, who was playing his second Grand Slam final but the title still eludes him.
“This is something I have dreamed of since I was a child. To be number 1 in the world, to be a champion,” Alcaraz commented, saying that he thought of some members of his family who could not attend to see him play.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy on September 11, 2022. Credit: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
“I always say that this is not the time to get tired in the final round of the Grand Slam, you have to give everything you have inside,” he said.
The 19-year-old played three straight five-set matches en route to the final, including the second-longest match in US Open history, when he defeated Jannik Sinner at 2:50am in the quarterfinals. .
Alcaraz becomes the youngest men’s singles Grand Slam winner since compatriot Rafael Nadal won the first of his Grand Slam titles in June 2005.
In addition, he is now the youngest number 1 in the history of the ATP ranking, an award previously held by Lleyton Hewitt, who reached first place at the age of 20 in 2001.
Credit: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
Ruud, for his part, said he will continue to chase the No. 1 spot.
“Today was a special day, both Carlos and I knew what was at stake and we knew what was at stake,” said Ruud. “I’m disappointed, of course, that I’m not No. 1, but No. 2 isn’t too bad either.”
Throughout the US Open, the Spaniard wowed crowds with his speed, athleticism and incredible shots. This latest victory could be the first of many Grand Slam titles throughout his career.
A clay-court specialist, Alcaraz has drawn comparisons to 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal and is only the second player in the Open Era to reach the US Open final as a teenager after Pete Sampras.
With information from Matt Foster.