Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest Grand Slam champion since Rafael Nadal

The 19-year-old has won the US Open for the first time since Pete Sampras, then 19, won the tournament in 1990.

Carlos Alcaraz has become the youngest to win the Grand Slam at the age of 19 since Rafael Nadal did it in 2005 after he lifted the French Open trophy. The 19-year-old Spanish teen sensation has won the US Open for the first time since Pete Sampras, then 19, won the tournament in 1990.

Advertisement

Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud in a historic match at the US Open, winning 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 to win his first Grand Slam championship and claim the top spot in the Pepperstone ATP Ranking.

The Spaniard outlasted the Norwegian at Arthur Ashe Stadium in a winner-takes-all final by winning 34/45 (76%) of the net points while hitting with explosive power and displaying outstanding touch around the net. In the fourth set, which lasted three hours and twenty minutes, the 19-year-old opened his shoulders, played aggressively, and managed the pressure to secure his 51st tour-level victory of the season.

After his historic triumph, an emotional Alcaraz collapsed to the ground as the New York crowd erupted in applause for him. To hug his team, including coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, he then ascended to his player’s box.

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek of Poland won the championships in women’s singles defeating Ons Jabeur of Tunisia to win her third career Grand Slam title.