Alcaraz wins US Open, becomes youngest number one

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz became a first-time Grand Slam champion and world number one by beating Casper Ruud in the US Open final to achieve both feats.

The 19-year-old Alcaraz won 6-4 2-6 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 in his first major final.

Alcaraz’s victory in four sets against Casper Ruud puts him top of the rankings released on Monday, with the Norwegian second.

The Spanish teenager also became the youngest Grand Slam champion since Rafael Nadal won the 2005 French Open.

Former world number one Nadal is third after he crashed to his earliest US Open defeat in six years at the hands of US player Frances Tiafoe in the last 16.

Tiafoe stands 19th in the rankings after he lost to Alcaraz in the semi-finals.

 

1. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 6,740

2. Casper Ruud (NOR) 5,850

3. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 5,810

4. Daniil Medvedev 5,065

5. Alexander Zverev 5,040

6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 4,810

7. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3,570

8. Cameron Norrie (GBR) 3,550

9. Andrey Rublev 3,390

10. Hubert Hurkacz (POL) 3,355

11. Jannik Sinner (ITA) 3,200.

AFP

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: theeditor[at]punchng.com