Carlos Alcaraz said he had to absolutely give his best in order to beat Frances Tiafoe and progress into his first Grand Slam final.
On Friday, Alcaraz defeated Tiafoe 6-7 (6) 6-3 6-1 6-7 (5) 6-3 to reach the US Open final.
After missing out on a match point in the fourth set, Alcaraz was able to keep his focus and complete a five-set victory.
The match lasted four hours and 19 minutes.
“To be honest in the semi-final of a Grand Slam you have to give everything, we have to fight until the last ball. It doesn’t matter if we are fighting for five hours, six hours. It doesn’t matter. You have to give everything on court,” Alcaraz said. “Frances gave everything on court. This is amazing.”
Alcaraz can become a Grand Slam champion and the No. 1
In the US Open final, Alcaraz plays Casper Ruud.
The game is set to get a new Grand Slam champion and also the new world No. 1.
The winner of the final will also replace Daniil Medvedev at the top spot on Monday.
“It’s amazing to be able to fight for big things. First time in the final of a Grand Slam. I can see the No. 1 in the world, but at the same time it’s so far away,” Alcaraz said. “I have one more to go against a player who is unbelievable. He deserves to play a final. He played the final of a Grand Slam in Roland Garros. This is my first time.Ā I’m going to give everything that I have. I will have to handle the nerves of being in a final of a Grand Slam, but obviously I’m really, really happy and as I said before every match, I’m going to enjoy. I’m going to enjoy the moment and let’s see what happens.”
Alcaraz owns a 2-0 head-to-head versus Ruud.
Earlier this year, Alcaraz defeated Ruud in the Miami final for his first Masters title.