KEY POINTS

  • Carlos Alcaraz entered the US Open as World No. 55
  • He defeated Casper Ruud in four sets in the final
  • Alcaraz became the first teenager to climb to ATP's World No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz has joined his idol Rafael Nadal on a special list of players after winning the US Open 2022.

Alcaraz defeated Norway's Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 to win the New York Grand Slam, his maiden major title, on Sunday. With the win, the 19-year-old player became the youngest World No. 1 in the ATP Rankings.

Alcaraz, who entered the US Open 2022 as World No. 55, became the first teenage top-ranked player in the ATP. He also became only the fourth tennis player from Spain to achieve the feat, joining his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya and Rafael Nadal, according to ATP's official website.

In addition, Alcaraz also was the youngest man to reach a Grand Slam final since Nadal in 2005, and the youngest to reach the US Open men's singles final since Pete Sampras in 1990, according to Yahoo Sports. Coincidentally, Nadal and Sampras won Grand Slam titles at age 19.

Ruud would have become the new World No. 1 if he had won Sunday. He has now lost both of his two major finals. The Norwegian player was thrashed by Nadal in three sets in the French Open final earlier this year.

Alcaraz saved two set points in the third, which would have put Ruud ahead. He won the first championship point with a regular forehand long before sealing the game with a service winner out wide. He immediately fell flat on his back in celebration and then ran up to his team in the stands. They danced in a huddle before Alcaraz returned to his seat. He was seen crying and smiling at the same time.

Fired-up: Carlos Alcaraz celebrates a point
Carlos Alcaraz won the US Open 2022 by defeating Casper Ruud in the final

Nadal, who was also in the race for the World No. 1 rank, is currently ranked third, behind Alcaraz and Ruud. The 22-Grand Slam winner took to social media to share messages for the two young stars.

"Congratulations, Carlos Alcaraz for your first Grand Slam and for number 1, which is the culmination of your first great season, which I am sure will be many more! Great effort, Casper Ruud! Very proud of you! Tough luck today but amazing tournament and season! Keep going!" tweeted Nadal on Monday.