Carlos Alcaraz says he's 'prepared mentally and physically' ahead of Casper Ruud US Open final showdown

Carlos Alcaraz is well aware of the high stakes on the line in Sunday’s US Open final against Casper Ruud and he knows exactly how he will approach it. Victory over Ruud in New York would make the 19-year-old Alcaraz the youngest world No. 1 since the introduction of the rankings in 1973 and would earn him a maiden Grand Slam crown.

Ad In 2003, Alcaraz’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero was in a similar position at the US Open, where he rose to the top of the rankings with a semi-final victory over Andre Agassi. US OpenRuud: Nadal defeat has prepared me for Alcaraz showdownAN HOUR AGO The two Spaniards have had many conversations about that experience from nearly two decades ago and Alcaraz is ready to take on that challenge. “I’m going to do the same; that is going for it.

No matter what I'm fighting for or what I am, I’m just going for it and enjoy the moment,” said Alcaraz following his hard-fought win over Frances Tiafoe on Friday. Alcaraz secured passage to his first major final courtesy of a third consecutive five-set victory. Alcaraz battles past Tiafoe in epic clash to reach maiden Grand Slam final ‘I thought it might not come again’ – Ruud on reaching US Open final 'He is awesome' — McEnroe hails Ruud reaching final and 'did not see this coming' The Murcia native has spent 13 hours and 28 minutes on court in his last three rounds but sounds confident he will be physically ready for the final against Norway’s Ruud.

Alcaraz has an impressive 8-1 win-loss record in five-set matches and has shown an impressive ability to tap into his reserves, relying on his self-belief to come through these tight encounters. “This guy Carlos Alcaraz is one of the greatest things we’ve in our sport in a long time. His mental strength is