After a stressful tournament... Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaras sets new records in the world of tennis

Sport

Published: 12 September 2022

After surpassing Norwegian rival Casper Rudd, Spanish youngster Carlos Alcaras claimed the first major title of his career s world number one in the history of the game since

Australian Lleyton Hoyt was crowned on November 19, 2001, and Alcaras, who hit 55 winners and 14 aces, became New York's youngest capped since American Pete Sampras in 1990.

The 19-year-old, 4 months and 6 days beat Norwegian Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 in the Flushing Meadows final s first major since compatriot Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros 2005 and the youngest to come top of the rankings since Australia's Leyton Hoyt (20 years and 9 months) on 19 November 2001.

It was a stressful tournament for Alcaras, who broke the record for the longest time on the field during one major tournament, surpassing the 23 hours and 21 minutes that South Africa held when he was runner-up to Wimbledon 2018.

In contrast, it was the second loss in Rod's Grand Slam final this season, after falling to Nadal at Roland Garros, as he tried to top the rankings of professional players.

With the stadium's roof closed, the crowd stood a minute of silence before the final on the 21st anniversary of the attacks 11 September.

Alcaras beat Croatia's Marin Cilic by five sets in the fourth round, represented by Italy's Yannick Sinner in the quarter-finals and then Frances Tiafoe of the United States in the semi-finals.

Written by Castle Journal