US Open - Carlos Alcaraz beats Casper Ruud to claim maiden Grand Slam title and becomes new world No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz is a Grand Slam champion. The Spaniard defeated Casper Ruud in four sets, 6-4 2-6 7-6(1) 6-3, to not only win the US Open but also become the new world No. 1.

The 19-year-old, so often referred to as a 'rising star' is certainly no longer that after he claimed his maiden major title at Flushing Meadows and usurped Daniil Medvedev atop the ATP world rankings. Ad For Ruud, it was another hugely impressive run to what was a second Grand Slam final after he came up short against Rafael Nadal at the French Open earlier in the summer. He has again demonstrated that he belongs right near the top of the sport.

US Open'It is incredible' — Clijsters and Wilander react to 'unreal' Alcaraz triumph18 MINUTES AGO It was an error-strewn opening from both players, who each looked understandably nervous in their first Grand Slam final. Ruud managed to save two break points and hold in the opening game of the match despite a few sloppy shots. Alcaraz forced the first break of serve in the match and consolidated to assume a 4-2 lead before closing it out ruthlessly.

Incredibly, it meant that the Spaniard has now won at least one set in 65 consecutive matches. Ruud found his rhythm in the second set as the fifth seed hit back from 30-0 down to break his opponent in clinical fashion and seize the momentum. Alcaraz could not find a response in the second set and mustered just two games as Ruud hauled himself back on terms with the match intriguingly poised.