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(AFP via Getty Images)
Carlos Alcaraz battles Casper Ruud as the next generation of men’s tennis arrives. The winner will make a breakthrough in the grand slams and also rise to No 1 in the world rankings in a fascinating final at Flushing Meadows in New York.
Alcaraz, the No 3 seed, battled past Frances Tiafoe over five gruelling sets, a third successive five-set match following brutal contests against Marin Cilic and Janik Sinner. While Ruud, the No 5 seed, had too much for Karen Khachanov and Matteo Berrettini in his impressive run to the final.
It is Ruud’s second final of 2022 after going down to Rafael Nadal in the French Open final, but he will need a first career win over the Spaniard having lost both previous contests, including the most recent match in Miami.
Follow live updates from what promises to be a captivating men’s singles final:
Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud
OK, we’re ready to go at Flushing Meadows. Casper Ruud to serve.
Luke Baker11 September 2022 21:18
Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud
Not sure if it was nerves but Ruud sprinted to the baseline from the net and had to be called back as there were still some pre-match formalities to complete. Lovely stuff!
Warm-up is underway now. Remember, Alcaraz leads their head to head 2-0 but a grand slam final is a different beast.
Luke Baker11 September 2022 21:16
Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud
The players will be out on the court of Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows imminently. In fact, here they come now.
Ruud is first to be introduced and he salutes the crowd. Carlos Alcaraz nexts out and the roars are even louder – it feels like he’s the crowd favourites.
Warm-ups upcoming and then we’ll be into the match itself.
Luke Baker11 September 2022 21:09
Casper Ruud laughs off comparisons with Erling Haaland in native Norway
Casper Ruud does not expect to match the popularity of Erling Haaland in his native Norway even if he beats Carlos Alcaraz to win the US Open and become world number one.
The climax to what has been an extraordinary grand slam tournament will be a straight shootout for a maiden major trophy for both men and top spot in the rankings.
Ruud is already the best player in his country’s history having picked up a love of the sport from his father Christian, who was a top-50 player in the 1990s.
US Open: Casper Ruud laughs off comparisons with Erling Haaland in native Norway
Sunday’s final will have a lot on the line for both Ruud and Carlos Alcaraz.
Luke Baker11 September 2022 20:54
Casper Ruud into US Open final with win over Karen Khachanov
Casper Ruud defeated Karen Khachanov to reach his second grand slam final of the season at the US Open and move to within one result of taking over as world number one.
The Norwegian has not yet become a big name outside tennis but he has grown into one of the most consistent performers in the men’s game and made his first slam final at the French Open this year, losing to Rafael Nadal.
Clay is the 23-year-old’s best surface but he is catching up fast on hard courts and continued his excellent run in New York with a 7-6 (5) 6-2 5-7 6-2 win over Russian Khachanov.
Casper Ruud into US Open final with win over Karen Khachanov
Norwegian Ruud claimed a 7-6 (5) 6-2 5-7 6-2 victory in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Luke Baker11 September 2022 20:42
Carlos Alcaraz beats Frances Tiafoe to set up Casper Ruud fight for title and world No1 spot
Carlos Alcaraz will take on Casper Ruud for the US Open title and the world number one ranking after beating Frances Tiafoe in another five-set classic to reach his first grand slam final.
The 19-year-old is the youngest man to make a slam final since his fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal won his maiden title at the French Open back in 2005.
Comparisons between the compatriots are inescapable and Alcaraz, who had battled for five sets beyond 2am in his previous two matches, showed Nadal-like powers of mental and physical endurance to recover and beat American Tiafoe 6-7 (6) 6-3 6-1 6-7 (5) 6-3.
Alcaraz beats Tiafoe to set up Casper Ruud fight for title and world No1 spot
Alcaraz survived another marathon match, battling past Tiafoe 6-7 (6) 6-3 6-1 6-7 (5) 6-3.
Luke Baker11 September 2022 20:31
Alfie Hewett wins men’s wheelchair singles title
Some positive British news from Flushing Meadows, where Alfie Hewett has battled to men’s wheelchair singles glory. He denied Shingo Kunieda the calendar grand slam with a 7-6, 6-1 triumph
Luke Baker11 September 2022 20:19
Alcaraz and Ruud profiles
So who are Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud? Here’s a little more info on each:
Best Previous US Open Result: QF (2021)
Best Previous Grand Slam Result: QF (2021 US Open, 2022 French Open)
Sets Played/Sets Lost: 24/6
Time Spent on Court: 20 hours, 20 minutes
Previous Best US Open Result: 3R (2020)
Best Grand Slam Result: F (2022 French Open)
Sets Played/Sets Lost: 23/5
Time Spent on Court: 18 hours, 46 minutes
Luke Baker11 September 2022 20:07
What have they said?
Both players have been talking to the press in the build-up to this final but what have they been saying?
“This is my first time. I’m going to give everything that I have,” said Alcaraz. “I have one more [match] to go against a player who is unbelievable.”
Meanwhile, Rudd – who has lost both previous matches against Alcaraz in straight sets said: “Of course, there will be nerves and we will both feel it. I hope it will be a good match. He has beaten me a couple times and I will seek my revenge.”
Luke Baker11 September 2022 19:55
History on the line at Flushing Meadows
As we mentioned earlier, the winner tonight will become world No 1 (the first time that a men’s grand slam singles final has featured two players with a chance to become world No 1) but there’s plenty of other history that could be made.
- Spanish teenager Alcaraz is contesting his first major final and bidding to become the youngest top-ranked men’s player in ATP rankings history.
- Ruud would become the first Norwegian to occupy the world No 1 spot.
- Alcaraz would be the youngest men’s grand slam winner since Rafa Nadal in 2005
Luke Baker11 September 2022 19:40
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