Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz becomes the world’s youngest number one after winning the U.S Open final over Norway’s Casper Ruud, claiming his first Grand Slam title.
The 19-year-old will become the youngest world No. 1 in Pepperstone ATP Rankings history since the record began in 1973.
The dream becomes reality.@carlosalcaraz is a Grand Slam champion. pic.twitter.com/sPFaAiVFNR
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2022
“This is something that I dreamt of since I was a kid — to be number one in the world, to be a champion of a Grand Slam,“ said Alcaraz.
“This is something that I worked really really hard for. It’s tough to talk right now, a lot of emotions.” “This is something that I tried to achieve, all the hard work that I did with my team and my family.”
“This is something that is really, really special for me.”
Alcaraz is also the youngest Grand Slam men’s champion since Rafael Nadal at the 2005 French Open.
Rafael Nadal congratulated his fellow countryman, Carlos, after winning the title. “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!
Felicidades @carlosalcaraz por tu primer Grand Slam y por el número 1 que es el colofón a tu primera gran temporada que estoy seguro serán muchas más! 👏🏻
Great effort @CasperRuud98 !very proud of you! Tough luck today but amazing tournament and season! Keep going!— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 11, 2022
With his win against Casper Ruud, he is the first teenager to become World No.1. He is also the fourth man from Spain to achieve this. Previous Spanish winner includes his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya, and Rafael Nadal.
Sources: ATPtour