Carlos Alcaraz wins US Open: Rafael Nadal sends classy message

Carlos Alcaraz became the world number one on Sunday night after clinching his first Grand Slam title at the age of just 19 years old, downing Casper Ruud in four sets.

It was Alcaraz’s first major final, with Ruud taking part in his second, however, he was unable to call upon his previous experience against the teenage hotshot.

The victory saw Alcaraz become the youngest men’s Grand Slam champion since 2005 when Rafael Nadal won the French Open. He also became the youngest US Open finalist in the men’s bracket after Pete Sampras was victorious in 1990.

Whoever emerged victorious was going to replace Daniil Medvedev at the top of the world rankings, but Alcaraz becomes the first to top the rankings whilst still being a teenager. No other pre-20 year-old has been able to achieve that in the 49-year history of ATP rankings.

Spanish sensation Alcaraz secured the first set 6-4 before crumbling to a 6-2 loss in the second. After a 7-1 tiebreak win, he was just a set away from history, rising to the occasion and brushing Ruud aside 6-3.

After the match, Alcaraz stated: “This is something which I dreamt of since I was a kid, being number one in the world and a champion of a Grand Slam. It is something I have worked very hard for. It is really, really special.”

Rafa, who was the man who downed Ruud in his first major final, dominating him in a one-sided clash at Roland Garros earlier this year, gave his verdict on Sunday’s final.

Taking to Twitter after the match, Nadal stated: “Congratulations @carlosalcaraz for your first Grand Slam and for number 1, which is the culmination of your first great season, which I am sure will be many more!

“Great effort @CasperRuud98! Very proud of you! Tough luck today but amazing tournament and