(CNN Spanish) — At the age of 19 Carlos Algaraz Tennis is already great: he beat Casper Rudd in 4 matches in the final of the US Open and topped the ATP world rankings.
In a close match at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York, the Spaniard won 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 over the Norwegian, who was playing in his second Grand Slam final. The topic still eludes him.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was young. To be No. 1 in the world, to be a champion,” Alcaraz said, thinking of some of his family members who didn’t come to see him play.
On September 11, 2022, Spain’s Carlos Algaras celebrates with the trophy. Credit: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images
I always say that this is not the time to get tired in the Grand Slam finals, you have to give everything you have inside.
The 19-year-old played three straight five-set matches en route to the final, including the second-longest match in US Open history, when he defeated Janic Sinner at 2:50 a.m. in the quarterfinals.
Algaras became the youngest men’s singles Grand Slam winner since compatriot Rafael Nadal won his first Grand Slam title in June 2005.
In addition, he is now the youngest No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings, an award previously held by Leighton Hewitt, who was ranked No. 1 in 2001 at the age of 20.
Credit: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images
Rudd, for his part, said he would continue to chase the No. 1 spot.
“Today is a special day, Carlos and I know what’s at stake and we know what’s at stake,” Rudd said. “Of course, I’m disappointed that I’m not No. 1, but No. 2 isn’t too bad.”
Throughout the US Open, the Spaniard impressed people with his speed, athleticism and incredible shots. This latest win could be the first of many Grand Slam titles in his career.
Algaraz, a clay-court specialist, has drawn comparisons to Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion and only the second player since Pete Sampras in the Open era to reach the US Open final.
With information from Matt Foster.
