Carlos Alcaraz keeps on being an absolute clutch as he won his third consecutive 5-setter to reach the 2022 US Open final where he will be facing off against Casper Ruud.
Alcaraz is one of the biggest prospects in the tennis world at present. The 19-year-old Spaniard proved his potential as he already has five ATP titles to his name, two of them being Master 1000 titles. With the success he had in 2022, he reached his career-high no. 4 in the ATP rankings. Now, having reached the final of the US Open 2022, he has the chance to become the new world no. 1 should he win it.
The path to the grand final for Alcaraz had to be one of the most clutch runs in the history of grand slams. He started the tournament strongly with three wins that came with relative ease. His first challenge came in the round of 16 against the experienced Marin Cilic. Nevertheless, following an exciting 5 setter, Alcaraz came out victorious beating Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
Never give up! ???????? See you on Sunday, NYC! ???????? @usopen
???? Getty Images pic.twitter.com/u5ftKBn0Pp
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 10, 2022
In the quarter-finals, waiting for him was his fellow next-generation rising star, Jannik Sinner. Once more the match went to the decider set and yet again the Spaniard emerged victorious winning the match 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 5-7, 3-6. This match is regarded as the best match of the tournament so far. After two back-to-back 5 set matches, fans and pundits in the tennis world were doubtful how Alcaraz will fare against the in form Frances Tiafoe in the semis. Putting an end to all the doubts, he beat the Frenchman following a nail-biting match that went the distance to secure his first grand-slam appearance.
How does @carlosalcaraz keep winning points like this?!
????: US Open Radio pic.twitter.com/4zaulRL8DM
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2022
On the other side of the bracket, Casper Ruud is on an absolute tear right now. The Norwegian has cruised past everybody in his path to secure the 2022 US Open final spot. In the semi-finals, Ruud beat Karen Khachanov 7-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2. This marks the second time Ruud has reached the final of a grand slam, having played the French Open final earlier this year. The 23-year-old is determined to capitalize on his chance this time around.
Casper Ruud knows chances for a Grand Slam ???? don't come easy.
He'll get his second shot in 2022 on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/eMYNS5E3gY
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2022
It was established after the quarter-finals that US Open 2022 will crown a new grand-slam champion. It now is confirmed that the next champion will be from the next generation as both finalists are under 25. In addition to the maiden major championship, the ATP rank no. 1 is up for grabs for both players. A win on September 11 will ensure that the tennis world will be welcoming a new world no. 1 other than the big 4 for the second time since Roger Federer first became no. 1 in the ATP rankings in February 2004.
