Former two-time French Open finalist Alex Corretja felt Carlos Alcaraz winning the US Open was a big moment for tennis.
On Sunday, 19-year-old Alcaraz became a Grand Slam champion after beating Casper Ruud in the US Open final.
Alcaraz became the youngest US Open champion since Pete Sampras (1990) and the youngest Grand Slam champion since Rafael Nadal (2005 French Open).
The top ranking was also on the line in the US Open final as Alcaraz is the new world No. 1.
Ruud, 23, fell short in his bid to win a first Grand Slam title but Corretja said the Norwegian deserved a praise as well.
Corretja on Alcaraz winning the US Open
“I’m very emotional, and not just for Carlos, but tennis overall,” Corretja told Eurosport. “I think it was like a party of tennis, of sport, of attitude from both players trying to fight as much as they could. I have known Juan Carlos [Ferrero] since he was a kid. Carlos, at just 19-years-old, was able to handle the situation so well. He was tired and panicking at some points, but at the end of the day, he found a way and that is the most important thing.”
Alcaraz has accomplished some pretty notable things this season.
This season, Alcaraz has won a Grand Slam, two Masters titles, and climbed up to the top ranking.
After the US Open final, Alcaraz admitted to Corretja that winning a Grand Slam and reaching the top ranking was a dream come true for him.
“It’s incredible to have this trophy in my hand and be No. 1,” Alcaraz told Corretja. “It’s something I always dreamed about when I started playing tennis and I’ve worked hard to get here. It’s a very special moment for me and I will never forget it.”
Alcaraz’s stunning rise will definitely be one of the highlights of the 2022 season.