New York: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz overcame Casper Ruud of Norway in the US Open final to clinch his first Grand Slam trophy and secure the No. 1 ATP Ranking.
The 19-year-old Spaniard defeated the fifth-seeded Norwegian 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 three-hour, 20-minute summit clash on Sunday evening at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Alcaraz become 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 Spaniard hit with explosive power and demonstrated impressive touch around the net, winning 34/45 (76 percent) of net points to outlast the Norwegian.
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.
“It is something I have dreamt of since I was a kid. To be No. 1 in the world, to be champion of a Grand Slam, is something I have worked really, really hard (for),” Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony.
“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,” he added.
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.
He has also equaled the biggest jump to No. 1, while he is the fourth Spaniard to climb to the top, joining coach Ferrero, Carlos Moya, and Nadal.
