Carlos Alcaraz insists he is “not afraid” as he targets the US Open title and a slice of history as the youngest men’s World No 1 on Sunday.
The 19-year-old Spaniard tackles Casper Ruud in a winner-takes-all final with both men chasing a first Slam crown and the top ranking.
“I’m not afraid of the moment,” said Alcaraz, the youngest finalist at a Slam since compatriot Rafael Nadal won the French Open in 2005.
In a tournament which saw Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer fail to make the start, and four-time winner Nadal falling at the last-16 hurdle, Alcaraz has flourished in his status as champion-in-waiting.
Round by round ranking points
Player R4 QF SF F Title Rafael Nadal 5,810 – – – – Carlos Alcaraz 4,920 5,100 5,460 5,940 6,740 Casper Ruud – 5,010 5,370 5,850 6,650
His mesmerising shot-making and flamboyance has seen him overcome three successive five-setters to make the final. He spent more than 13 hours on court in those three marathons.
Against Jannik Sinner, in a five-hour 15-minute quarterfinal which ended at 2:50 a.m. on Thursday morning, he saved a match point.
He then required four match points to finish off Frances Tiafoe in Friday’s semifinal, which was the fourth longest match of the tournament. It was Alcaraz’s 50th…
