Spanish player is the last man standing at the US Open. Instead of a four-time winner Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz claimed the men’s singles title in New York on Sunday. A teenager lifted his first Major crown at 19 years and four months, becoming the youngest Major champion since Nadal and the first teenager on the ATP throne! Rafa congratulated Carlos on his incredible success, watching the match from his home and praising the fellow Spaniard. Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 in three hours and 20 minutes for the most significant success of his young career and a place in the record books. Carlos survived three consecutive five-setters en route to the final, and he gave his everything to overpower the Norwegian and lift the trophy.
Both players grabbed three breaks of serve, and Alcaraz took only five points more than Ruud. The Spaniard clinched the more essential points, saving two set points in the third set and controlling the pace after that. Carlos broke at 15 in the opener’s third game and fired a service winner at 5-4 to wrap up the set in 49 minutes. Ruud raised his level in the second set and played well on serve and return. The Norwegian fended off a break point at 2-2 in the second set and broke for the first time in the next one to forge the advantage. Casper survived the seventh game and broke for the second time at 5-2 with a smash winner at the net to wrap up the set and improve his chances.
Rafael Nadal congratulated Carlos Alcaraz on his first Major title.
Carlos grabbed an early break in the third set before losing serve at 2-1 to keep the rival on the positive side. They both served well until the 12th game, when Alcaraz served to stay in the set for the second time. The youngster faced two set points in the most challenging part of the match for him. Alcaraz saved the first with a volley winner and denied the second with a smash winner to bring the game home and force a tie break. With a boost on his side, the Spaniard claimed it 7-1 following the rival’s loose forehand mistake to move closer to the finish line. Alcaraz produced five comfortable holds in the fourth set and kept the pressure on the other side. He broke Ruud in game six after the opponent’s loose backhand to create the decisive advantage. Alcaraz served for the title at 5-3 and fired a booming serve to seal the deal and start a massive celebration.
“Congratulations on your first Major title and no. 1, Carlos. It’s a culmination of your first great season, with many more to come. Great effort, Casper; I’m proud of you. Tough luck today, but an amazing tournament and the season. Keep going,” Rafael Nadal said.