Alcaraz beats Ruud in US Open men’s final

NEW YORK — Carlos Alcaraz beat Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-3 in the U.S. Open final on Sunday to earn his first Grand Slam title at age 19. He is the youngest man to be ranked No. 1.

According to ESPN, Alcaraz is the youngest man to win a major title since Rafael Nadal. He is also the youngest to win the U.S. Open since Pete Sampras in 1990.

Alcaraz was appearing in his eighth major tournament overall and his second at Flushing Meadows. He only briefly showed signs of fatigue during three consecutive five-setters to reach the title match, according to The Associated Press.

Alcaraz will become the youngest player to be No. 1 on Monday since the current Association of Tennis Professionals rankings began in 1973.

Ruud, a 23-year-old from Norway and the No. 5 seed, fell short in his attempt to become Norway’s first Grand Slam champion. He also lost to Nadal at this year’s French Open.

Following the match, both players offered their thoughts to New Yorkers and Americans on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Alcaraz said it was “never easy to live this day as a normal day” and that he would “remember this day with all of you.”

Ruud said he was praying for everyone affected by the “tragic incident that happened.” He said it was an emotional day for Americans. “It’s something that we will never forget,” he added.

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