The teenage years can be tough. Just ask any 19-year-old.

But when you’re also carrying the expectation of being the new face of tennis, life can feel overwhelming.

Carlos Alcaraz arrived for the North American hard-court swing as World No. 4 and with a shot at becoming the 28th player to reach No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. But an opening round-loss in Montreal to Tommy Paul – when he candidly said the pressure got to him – and a quarter-final loss to Cameron Norrie in Cincinnati, led to worry and self-doubt.

Heading into the year’s final major, coach Juan Carlos Ferrero suspected that Alcaraz had “lost a little bit of happiness on the court,” and that he was worrying about the big picture instead of the next match in front of him. Arriving in New York for the US Open, Ferrero gave his charge license to loosen up, get to net and go on the attack.

“I lost the joy a little bit. I felt the pressure,” Alcaraz said. “I couldn’t smile on court, which I’m doing in every match, every tournament.

“I came here just to enjoy, you know? To smile on court, to enjoy playing tennis. I love playing tennis, of course. I would say if I smile, if I have fun out there, I saw my best level, my best tennis.”

After simultaneously winning the US Open and becoming the youngest No. 1 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Alcaraz will leave New York after Monday’s media tour of Manhattan with his usual, wide grin. Life is good and perhaps about to get even better as he looks ahead to additional, big goals.

He is set to make his debut at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin from 13-20 November, where he hopes to be crowned as the youngest ever year-end World No. 1.

But he may take a little time first to reflect on his history-making fortnight in New York.

“I overcame myself a little bit. I played a great matches, high intensity, during the two weeks that I’ve never done before,” he said. “I just can say that I’m really happy to move on to be No. 1 of the world, still growing. I’m so, so happy.

“I never thought that I was going to achieve something like that at 19 years old. Everything has come so fast. For me it’s unbelievable. It’s something I dream since I was a kid, since I start playing tennis.”

“But, of course, I’m hungry for more. I want to be in the top for many, many weeks. Hope many years. I’m going to work hard again after this week, this amazing two weeks. I’m going to fight for have more of this.”

VAMOS! pic.twitter.com/ACEnmMTiix

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2022

Alcaraz was ranked just 55 when he made his main-draw debut at the US Open last year. He stunned Stefanos Tsitsipas en route to the quarter-finals, but a second-set retirement against Felix Auger-Aliassime left the Spaniard thinking he was not yet battle-tested to win a Slam.

This year, he won three consecutive five-set matches just to reach the final.

His quest to win majors went from dream to goal after he won his first ATP Masters 1000 title in March in Miami, where coincidentally, he also defeated Ruud in the final.

“Since I won Miami, I thought I was able to have a Grand Slam in my hands. Before Miami, I was thinking that I have to still grow up. I thought that I’m able to have good results in a Grand Slam, but not be a champion.”

Carlos Alcaraz’s unsung hero in his US Open final win over Casper Ruud was his run-around forehand.

Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 in the US Open final on Sunday, due in large part to him hitting a slew of run-around forehands standing in the Ad court to counter the Norwegian’s full-court press towards his backhand. Ruud played a tactically savvy final by flattening out his high, heavy groundstrokes and ripping them repeatedly at Alcaraz’s backhand wing. It almost worked. Ruud won a higher percentage of baseline points: 45 per cent (64/141) to Alcaraz’s 43 per cent (59/136).

Alcaraz’s tenacity to upgrade to forehands standing in the Ad court saw him turn 97 groundstrokes from backhands into forehands. In a match decided by only five points (127-122), this specific battle was as important as any other to Alcaraz in capturing his first Grand Slam title.

Alcaraz Groundstrokes (excluding returns, volleys & overheads)

• Forehands = 61% (195)
• Backhands = 39% (125)
• Total = 320

On the surface, Alcaraz hit many more forehands than backhands. But once you examine where Alcaraz was standing when he hit them, you get a better idea of a hidden layer of his successful match strategy.

Alcaraz Forehand Groundstrokes

• Run-Around Forehands = 97 (standing in the Ad court)
• Normal Forehands = 98 (standing in the Deuce court)

Ruud made Alcaraz hit 125 backhands, and if Ruud had his way, the 97 run-around forehands would also have been Alcaraz backhands. If that were the case, Ruud would surely have secured both hands on the silver trophy. Ruud basically threw the kitchen sink at Alcaraz’s backhand through the Ad court.

Alcaraz Total Groundstrokes

• Struck standing in the Ad court = 69% (222)
• Struck standing in the Deuce court = 31% (98)
• Total = 320

Alcaraz’s run-around forehand was solid in the opening two sets, with six errors and one winner from 40 shots. It stood tall in the final two sets with six errors and eight winners from 57 shots. In fact, Alcaraz made his last six run-around forehands in the third set and 16 straight in the fourth set before finally missing one. His run-around forehand was the rock he desperately needed to close out the match. Alcaraz hit 125 backhands for the match, committing 21 backhand errors while capturing five winners. The run-around forehand gave the overheating backhand much-needed relief.

Alcaraz At Net

The net was also a safe haven for the 19-year-old Spaniard to deflect the fight to another part of the court. Alcaraz won 71 per cent (15/21) serving and volleying and an extremely solid 76 per cent (34/45) coming forward overall. His willingness to come forward to finish points makes him a dangerous multi-dimensional opponent with so many places on the court to beat you.

Rally Length

The average rally length for the final was a crisp 4.1 shots, with almost two out of three points (65%) played in the 0-4 shot rally length.

Rally Length Played

• 0-4 Shots = 65%
• 5-8 Shots = 23%
• 9+ Shots = 12%

Alcaraz forged a small but significant advantage in the shortest two rally lengths, accounting for 88 per cent of total points. He lost the long rallies 16-13, but it didn’t hurt him because it only accounted for 12 per cent of total points.

Rally Length Won/Lost

• 0-4 Shots = Alcaraz 84/Ruud 79
• 5-8 Shots = Alcaraz 30/Ruud 27
• 9+ Shots = Alcaraz 13/Ruud 16

It was a very close final with history on the line. Upgrading 97 backhands to forehands could very well have been the centerpiece.

When the music stopped on Arthur Ashe Stadium Sunday night, there was only one chair for a new World No. 1: Carlos Alcaraz.

But being No. 2 isn’t bad.

Tempering the disappointment of coming up short in his second Grand Slam final of the year, Norway’s Casper Ruud said that he would also leave New York with plenty to be proud of, not least his new career-high mark in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

“I think it’s deserving that after great results, both of us having good results throughout the year, we are 1 and 2 in the rankings tomorrow,” the 23-year-old said. “I’m very proud of being No. 2. In a way it’s a good thing because I can still chase the last spot.

“I’m proud of the match and the two weeks. I gave it my all. I left it all out on the court. Played some phenomenal tennis throughout the two weeks, probably my best tennis ever on this surface.”

The Oslo native, who was competing in his second major final after losing to Nadal at Roland Garros in June, captured his 44th tour-level win of the season when he downed Karen Khachanov in the semi-finals.

 After a strong season, including ATP 250 titles in Buenos Aires, Geneva and Gstaad, the Norwegian is a virtual lock to make a second consecutive appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin (13-20 November), where he will hope to get a chance to avenge his defeat to Alcaraz, who likely will be one of his chief rivals for the next decade.

1 & 2 pic.twitter.com/dWvrrzbcNu

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2022

“He’s one of these few rare talents that comes up every now and then in sports… He has shown incredible fighting spirit and will to win. He was down a match point a couple matches ago and was able to turn around and end up winning the tournament…

“He’s riding that wave. At the moment he’s the best player in the world in my eyes. He deserves that spot. I’m happy that we played each other in the final and that we played for the title and the world No. 1 spot.

“His movement is one of his many weapons, of course. It makes us other players feel like you need to paint the lines sort of to be able to hit a winner. Sometimes even that’s not enough.

“He’s very fast. He’s very quick. He’s a great mover. He can get to balls that we’ve probably never seen before.”

Sunday’s final was the second-youngest US Open men’s singles final (Sampras-Agassi in 1990) and the youngest Grand Slam men’s singles final in more than 20 years (Hewitt-Nalbandian 2002 Wimbledon). And New York fans weren’t shy in showing their appreciation for the quality of play during the entertaining final and their delight in seeing the game’s fresh young stars take centre stage.

“It was a lot of fun, exchanges and rallies. I was able to win a couple of those,” said Ruud, who is coached by his father and former pro Christian Ruud. “It was better atmosphere. I think also hopefully a more fun match to watch for the crowd.

“The crowd there in New York have been amazing. They treat all the players well. Even though I lost, I still felt like a champion during these two weeks. Still do in a way.”

Carlos Alcaraz made history on Sunday evening when he battled past Casper Ruud in four sets to win the US Open for his first Grand Slam title. The 19-year-old also became the youngest-ever World No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings (since 1973).

After the Spaniard clinched his triumph at Flushing Meadows, several stars congratulated him, including Rafael Nadal, Rod Laver, Billie Jean King and 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

Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud on an exceptional US Open men’s final. Two great sportsmen with many more battles to come. #USOpen2022

— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 12, 2022

What a great final from both!

— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@steftsitsipas) September 11, 2022

Congratulations to @carlosalcaraz, the youngest #USOpen champion since Pete Sampras!

(Photo from 2021). pic.twitter.com/2dezvJvtws

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 11, 2022

Congrats @carlosalcaraz on becoming No 1 and winning your 1st Major. Your power, foot speed, mentality, weapons, physicality are incredible! Just the beginning!!👏🔥💪🏆🇺🇸@usopen

— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) September 11, 2022

the legend of escape from Alcaraz @carlosalcaraz amazing 🤩 effort taking out Ruud awakening for his 1st slam @usopen 🏆

— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) September 11, 2022

BRUTAAAAL @carlosalcaraz!!! Enhorabuena por conseguir tu primer Grand Slam con el #USOpen y por convertirte en el tenista más joven de la historia en conseguir el #1 de la ATP!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/e0fP9h5azx

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 11, 2022

Nineteen-year-old Carlos Alcaraz will on Monday become the youngest World No. 1 in Pepperstone ATP Rankings history (since 1973) after winning his first Grand Slam title at the US Open Sunday.

Alcaraz entered the 2021 US Open as the World No. 55. With his win against 23-year-old Casper Ruud in the championship clash in New York, he is the first teenage World No. 1 and the fourth man from Spain to achieve the feat, joining his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya, and Rafael Nadal.

“It’s crazy for me. I’ve never thought that I was going to achieve something like that at 19 years old. So everything came so fast,” Alcaraz said. “For me it’s unbelievable. It’s something I dreamed since I was a kid, since I started playing tennis. Of course, lifting this trophy today is amazing for me.”

The Murcia-native arrived at Flushing Meadows as the No. 4 player in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. His leap to World No. 1 is tied for the biggest in history. Three other players have surged from No. 4 to No. 1 between one Pepperstone ATP Rankings release: Moya (15 March 1999), Andre Agassi (5 July 1999) and Pete Sampras (11 September 2000).

Alcaraz has rewritten the record books en route to the pinnacle of men’s tennis. Earlier this year he became the second-youngest player to win two ATP Masters 1000 titles (Miami and Madrid), only behind Nadal, who did so in 2005. Alcaraz also became the youngest ATP 500 titlist in series history in Rio de Janeiro and claimed another crown at that level in Barcelona.

The 19-year-old leads the ATP Tour with 51 wins this season, moving him five victories clear of second-placed Stefanos Tsitsipas (46). With his US Open triumph, Alcaraz also climbed to first place in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin, putting him in pole position to become the youngest year-end World No. 1 in history. 

Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman, said: “Carlos’ rise to the top of the sport has been nothing short of phenomenal. His game has reached incredible levels this year, capturing ATP Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid, and now capped off with a first Grand Slam title and becoming the youngest ever No. 1. His fearless tennis, work ethic and sportsmanship make him an inspiration for many and has raised the bar for tennis’ next era. Like so many of our fans, I’m excited to watch his incredible journey continue.”

Alcaraz became the first player to reach the top of men’s tennis’ mountain the Monday after the US Open since his coach, Ferrero, ascended to No. 1 after the 2003 tournament. Alcaraz’s final against Ruud was the first men’s singles championship match at a Grand Slam in which both players who had never been World No. 1 were competing for the top spot.

Alcaraz is the 28th player to reach World No. 1, making him the sixth active player to climb to the top spot. The teen joins Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Nadal, Andy Murray and Daniil Medvedev, whom he replaced at the pinnacle.

Alcaraz (19) and Ruud (23) are the second-youngest Top 2 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, only trailing World No. 1 Jimmy Connors (22) and World No. 22 Bjorn Borg (18) in 1975. This is the first year since 2003 there have been two new World No. 1s in the same season (Medvedev and Alcaraz).

Casper Ruud has won the second set against Carlos Alcaraz to level the US Open final 4-6, 6-2 on Sunday. In a historic winner-takes-all showdown, the victor will capture their first Grand Slam trophy and become the 28th player to secure the No. 1 Pepperstone ATP Ranking.

With the world watching, the Norwegian has grown into the clash on Arthur Ashe stadium. He has hit with greater consistency, depth and precision from the baseline, soaking up Alcaraz’s explosive power and finding the corners to level the match after one hour and 30 minutes.

Ruud arrived at Flushing Meadows as the World No. 7, having suffered a shock second-round exit against #NextGenATP American Ben Shelton in Cincinnati. However, if the 23-year-old defeats Alcaraz to earn his 45th win of the year, he will leave the hard-court major in top spot, recording the biggest jump to No. 1 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings (since 1973). He will also become the first Norwegian to climb to top spot.

The 19-year-old Alcaraz is seeking to become the youngest Grand Slam champion since countryman Rafael Nadal, 19, lifted the trophy at Roland Garros in 2005 and the youngest US Open titlist since Pete Sampras, 19, in 1990.

If the 2021 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals champion can defeat the Norwegian and capture his 51st win of the season, he will also become the youngest player and fourth Spaniard to rise to No. 1 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings (since 1973). Spaniards Juan Carlos Ferrero – Alcaraz’s current coach – Carlos Moya and Nadal have all previously risen to top spot.

In a lively first set, both looked to attack second serves, stepping inside the baseline on return to earn the first blow in the brutal baseline exchanges. Alcaraz and Ruud fended off two break points in their opening services games before the Spaniard made his move to break for 2-1 when Ruud struck a forehand wide. The third seed, who hit 13 winners in the set, consistently scampered around the baseline to turn defence into attack, while he moved forward effectively to close points at the net.

Ruud refused to go away at the start of the second set and began to hurt Alcaraz more with his penetrating groundstrokes. The fifth seed crucially saved a break point at 2-2, before he broke Alcaraz in the following game to gain a foothold and belief. Ruud started to come out on top in the all-court exchanges, while he reduced his mistakes, committing just two unforced errors in the set to level.

Ruud survived a five-set epic against Tommy Paul in the third round, before he raised his level against seeds Matteo Berrettini and Karen Khachanov to reach his second Grand Slam final. The 23-year-old fell to Nadal in straight sets in the Roland Garros championship match in June.

Alcaraz has showcased an abundance of quality and grit to move through the field at Flushing Meadows. In a dramatic run at the hard-court major, he has won late-night five-set thrillers against Marin Cilic, Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe to advance to his maiden major final, saving one match point against Italian Sinner.

Ruud, who had never been beyond the third round in four previous appearances at Flushing Meadows, has captured nine tour-level titles, including three this season. Alcaraz has lifted four tour-level trophies in 2022, including two ATP Masters 1000 crowns. The third seed, who qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals earlier this week, leads Ruud 2-0 in their ATP Head2Head series, having most recently defeated the Norwegian in the Miami final in April.

Did You Know?
Sunday’s final is the first Grand Slam championship match featuring two players who are competing for their maiden major title and the World No. 1 Pepperstone ATP Ranking.