Carlos Alcaraz beat Casper Ruud in a three-hour match to clinch the U.S. Open 2022 title, becoming the youngest men’s singles grand slam winner since compatriot Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros 2005. With the 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 victory, the 19-year-old Alcaraz will move up to World No. 1, the youngest to have achieved that career high in the history of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
“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.” Catch live score tennis and more here!
The Spaniard won three consecutive five-set matches that set up this final match. Alcaraz and Ruud were both determined in the tight first set but Alcaraz emerged. Ruud recovered and claimed the second set. The clash continued until 6-6 that forced a tie-breaker. Alcaraz remained positive and clinched the title with an incredible serve, ending Ruud’s chase for the No. 1 spot.
Alcaraz, who won four titles this year, bounced back from the disappointing defeat at the French Open and his early exit at tennis Wimbledon, where Sinner beat him in the fourth round. He is now the youngest man to reach a Grand Slam final since Nadal in 2005 and the youngest US Open winner since Pete Sampras in 1990. Both Nadal and Sampras won Grand Slam titles at age 19.
He added: “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.” Nick Kyrgios beat the then holder Daniil Medvedev in the Round of 16.
Earlier, the world No. 1 Iga Swiatek beat Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, the first African woman and first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final, to clinch her maiden trophy at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam. “I needed to stay composed and focus on the goals,” Swiatek said during the trophy ceremony. “It’s New York — it’s so loud, it’s so crazy. It’s really mind-blowing for me. I’m really proud I could handle it mentally.”
In June, the Polish player has now lifted seven trophies this year, improving her record in tour-level matches to 55-7. She won the French Open for the second time in June, becoming the first woman to collect two major titles in a single season since Angelique Kerber in 2016, before ending 37 consecutive match wins and six consecutive tournament titles at Wimbledon. Alcaraz and Swiatek both won at the Miami Open singles titles this year.
Exciting games and big wins as you visit 12BET where exclusive promotions await you.
Visit 12BET login and join us to claim exclusive benefits and more.
