NEW YORK: Considered the next big thing in men's tennis, Carlos Alcaraz used his combination of determination and maturity to beat Casper Ruud in the U.S. Open final on Sunday to earn his first Grand Slam title at age of 19 and become the youngest man to be ranked No. 1 in ATP rankings. Alcaraz arrived at Flushing Meadows as the World No. 4. However, he leaves the hard-court major in the top spot, becoming the youngest player to rise to the top of the ATP Rankings (since 1973).
Alcaraz has also equalled the biggest jump to No. 1, while he is the fourth Spaniard to climb to the top, joining coach Ferrero, Carlos Moya and Nadal. He arrived at Flushing Meadows determined to enjoy himself, he said, though the path to the final could scarcely have been more gruelling.
He survived three consecutive five-setters before meeting the Norwegian on Sunday, though the bruising schedule seemed to have little impact on the supremely athletic Alcaraz.
"He (was) born to play this kind of tournament, born to play these kind of matches," said his coach, fellow Spaniard and former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero.
"He's a great competitor. He's there. He's trying all the time."
Alcaraz collected his first ATP title a little over a year ago in Croatia and has become the youngest world number one since the ATP rankings began in 1973.
But this is just the beginning, Alcaraz said.
"I'm hungry for more. I want to be in the top for many, many weeks. (I) hope many years," he told reporters.
"I'm going to work hard again after this week, this amazing two weeks. I'm going to fight for have more of this."
After the Spaniard clinched his triumph at Flushing Meadows, several stars congratulated him, including Rafael Nadal, Rod Laver, Billie Jean King and more. Rod Laver said: 'Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud on an exceptional US Open men's final. Two great sportsmen with many more battles to come.'
Alcaraz's opponent Casper Ruud also praised his game and said the tennis star is destined for greatness. Ruud stated, "He's one of these few rare talents that comes up every now and then in sports. That's what it seems like. Let's see how his career develops, but it's going all in the right direction."
"Things have been going so well. Today was a special evening," Ruud said during the trophy ceremony.
"Both Carlos and I knew what we were playing for and what was at stake. We will be No. 2 and No. 1 in the world tomorrow, I think it is fitting. I am disappointed of course that I am not No. 1, but No. 2 is not bad either. I am happy with that number and I will continue to chase for my first Grand Slam title and No. 1 ranking." (Agencies)
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