Norway’s Casper Ruud and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz have reached the final of the US Open. There the two are about the first Grand Slam title of their careers – and the lead in the world rankings.
The 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz won his semifinal match against the American crowd favorite Frances Tiafoe 6: 7 (6: 8), 6: 3, 6: 1, 6: 7 (5: 7) and 6: 3. The Norwegian Casper Ruud (23) had previously won his final ticket with a 7: 6 (7: 5), 6: 2, 5: 7 and 6: 2 against the Russian Karen Khachanov.
The winner of the final on Sunday (September 11, 2022; 10 p.m. CEST) not only gets his first Grand Slamtitle, but also replaces the dethroned defending champion Daniil Medvedev of Russia as the world leader.
“It’s wonderful to play for such big things”said Alcaraz: “I can already see the number one in the world, at the same time it’s still so far away.” Tiafoe shed a few tears of disappointment but had to concede: “Carlos was too good.”
Youngest finalist since 1990
Alcaraz is the youngest US Open-Finalist since 1990 when USA’s Pete Sampras lifted the trophy at the age of 19 years and 28 days. Alcaraz didn’t notice the 5:15 hour marathon two days earlier in the quarterfinals against the Italian Jannik Sinner – on the contrary: After the narrowly lost first set, Alcaraz really turned on and deservedly went into his first Grand Slam-final one.
“We’re in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam, so we have to give everything, whether it’s four or five hours”, Alcaraz explained his enormous power reserves. Tiafoe fought back tears. “I feel like I let everyone down”said the 24-year-old into the stadium microphone: “I’ll be back and I’ll win this thing. I’m sorry guys!”
Tiafoe, the im Arthur Ashe Stadium also from the previous one first lady Michelle Obama was cheered on experienced an inexplicable drop in performance in between. The Americans need to go further at first Grand Slam– Men’s title awaiting since 2003 (Andy Roddick). Tiafoe was allowed at least one US Open-Consoling record: As the first professional in history, he finished the tournament with the flawless tie break-Balancing of 8:0.
Ruud as the first Norwegian in the final
“I’m so happy”meanwhile Ruud said after his second final entry at a Grand Slam tournament: “At first we were both a bit nervous, luckily I won the first set.” And how: In the set ball, the son of the former Australian Open round of 16 Christian Ruud showed nerves of steel and class in the 55-shot rally. “In the second and fourth”he said, “I played phenomenally”.
Women’s final on Saturday
Already on Saturday (10 p.m. CEST) the Polish world number one Iga Swiatek and Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur from Tunisia will play for the title in the women’s final. “It’s going to be a great fight”predicted Swiatek.