Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz had a childhood dream of becoming the World No.1 in ATP rankings as well as a Grand Slam champion. That dream of his was fulfilled when he defeated Casper Ruud in the final of the US Open 2022 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday.
The Spaniard won in four sets 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 to create history. Alcaraz was knocking down the door of becoming a Grand Slam champion and he was able to finally break it after going past Ruud in three hours and 20 minutes.
The teenager played aggressively and took the first set while the Norwegian bounced back stronger in the second. However, Alcaraz won the next two sets to clinch his first Major title. With this terrific win, Alcaraz has become the youngest World No.1 player in the Pepperstone ATP rankings.
“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.”
“There is no time to be tired in the final rounds of a Grand Slam…You have to be ready and give everything you have inside. It is something I work really hard for,” Alcaraz said.
Furthermore, Alcaraz became the youngest Grand slam champion since his idol Rafael Nadal won the Roland Garros title in 2005. Moreover, he is the youngest US Open winner since Pete Sampras won back in 1990.
