Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz wins US Open title to clinch world No. 1 status

Carlos Alcaraz has cemented his name in the record books, winning the US Open final to become the youngest No. 1 male player in history.

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz has cemented his name in the record books, winning the US Open men’s singles final to become the youngest No. 1 male player in tennis history.

The 19-year-old defeated Norway’s Casper Ruud 6-4 2-6 7-6 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday morning AEST to claim his maiden grand slam singles title.

Alcaraz was far from his best in the must-win final, with lingering fatigue from Saturday’s five-set marathon seemingly taking its toll on the young Spaniard.

But the tennis prodigy held his nerve at Flushing Meadows, becoming the second-youngest men’s singles champion in New York in the Open Era.

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Alcaraz quickly broke serve in the first set to take an early lead, but Ruud clinched a double break in the second to even the scores.

The third set was one of the most entertaining of the entire tournament, with Alcaraz comprehensively winning a tiebreak to put himself six games away from the coveted No. 1 ranking.

And after breaking serve once again in the fourth set, Alcaraz secured the historic victory to send the New York crowd into a frenzy.

He is not only the first teenager to claim the top ranking, but also becomes the youngest grand slam men’s champion since compatriot Rafael Nadal achieved the feat at the 2005 French Open.

"This is something I dreamed of since I was a kid," Alacaraz said after the triumph.

"To be number 1, to be a champion. It's something I worked really really hard for. It's tough to talk right now, a lot of emotions. This is something I tried to achieve, all the hard work I did with my team, my family."

Alacaraz also broke the record for most time played at a single grand slam tournament on record, passing 23 hours and 30 minutes during the final.

It is so cool when it's only the beginning for Carlos Alcaraz...

How many will this kid win if he is healthy?

Incredible once in a generation player.

— Lee Schechter (@LeeSchechter) September 11, 2022

Only fair that Carlos Alcaraz wins a Grand Slam this year. Best ATP player this year. Very dominant and very deserving.

— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) September 11, 2022

"Today was a special day for both Carlos and I," a dejected Ruud, who becomes the new world No. 2, said after the loss.

"We knew what we were playing for. We knew what was at stake. And it's fun that both finalists will be no. 2 and no. 1 in the world tomorrow. I think it's fitting.

"Disappointed, of course ... but no. 2 is not bad either."

Earlier on Sunday, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek won her third grand slam singles title, defeating Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in straight sets on Arthur Ashe Stadium.