Casper Ruud says French Open defeat to Rafael Nadal has prepared him for US Open showdown with Carlos Alcaraz

Casper Ruud is hoping his previous experience of playing a Grand Slam final will help when he takes on Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open title decider on Sunday, where the winner will also become the new world No. 1. Ruud became the first Norwegian to reach a major final at Roland Garros earlier this year and despite his defeat to Rafael Nadal in Paris, he believes there are lessons that can be drawn from that match that could come to his aid against Alcaraz.

Ad “Roland Garros, the final, he obviously gave me a good beating. After the final I said, ‘If I ever reach one again, I hope it is not Rafa on the other side of the court in Roland Garros’, because it's sort of an impossible task I think for any player. I'm happy that it's not Rafa on clay,” said the 23-year-old Ruud.

US OpenAlcaraz says he is 'prepared mentally and physically' ahead of Ruud final showdown5 HOURS AGO “I hope it has prepared me a little bit. At least I know a little bit what I'm facing when I'm stepping on the court, seeing the trophy on the back of the court, seeing tons of celebrities. Even in Roland Garros, there was royal families there watching.

That was a little bit [of a] new experience for me. I hope I can be more ready for that on Sunday.” Ruud built a reputation as one of the best clay-court players on the tour but has made great progress on hard courts this campaign, making finals in Miami and the US Open. Such results have not just given him confidence in his abilities on the faster surfaces, but he believes it also helps that his opponents know he can deliver on hard courts.