On Sunday evening, Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz Garfia won his first grand slam title by defeating Norweigan Casper Ruud by 6-4 2-6 7-6(1) 6-3 in the US Open final, thus becoming the youngest number 1. He became the youngest grand slam winner since his fellow countryman, Rafael Nadal, who had won the French Open in 2005 at the age of 19.
In this closely fought match, Ruud did fight back in the second set and fought hard in the third set, Alcaraz was able to trump him eventually. Alcaraz won 64 % of his first serve points compared to 61% of Ruud. Alcaraz, who plays attacking had 41 unforced errors compared to Ruud’s just 29. Alcaraz won 127 points compared to Ruud’s 122. Both broke each other serves thrice.
Alcaraz became just the fourth Spanish to become an ATP #1. Before him, only Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya and Rafael Nadal had done it. Ferrero is his coach as well.
A great season so far
This has been a fantastic season going on for Alcaraz with him winning 51 matches(the most this year) compared to only 9 defeats. Besides, he has claimed the titles of Madrid, Miami masters along with Barcelona and Rio Open.
Post winning, Alcraz said that to be the number one and a grand slam champion was something that he had dreamt of since he was a kid and there were a lot of emotions going on.
Ruud was full of praise for Alcaraz. “He’s riding that wave,At the moment he’s the best player in the world in my eyes. He deserves that spot. He’s one of these few rare talents that comes up every now and then in sports. That’s what it seems like.”
Reactions
Several tennis superstars and legends congratulated Alcaraz for his achievement.
