By Dwight Casimere
Photo: AP
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz is the World No. 1 Men’s Tour ATP ranked player. He has set a new record as the youngest men’s player to capture the role at the age if 19, Martina Hingis still holds the women’s record for the youngest female player to become World No. 1 at the age of 16 in 1997.
Alcaraz earned the distinction along with the Trophy after winning the Men’s Final at the 2022 US Open at Flushing Meadows, defeating Norway’s No. 2-rannked Casper Rudd 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 in dramatic match.
This was the young Spaniard’s first Major title and first No.1 ranking. He established his win stance early in the final set of the match, scoring an ace at the very outset, followed by a wining forehand volley. He quickly scored another ace for a double championship point.
Rudd countered with a superb stab volley, followed by an ace. It was Alcaraz’s response, hitting three aces in a row, followed by Rudd’s game-ending error, which sealed the Nord’s fate.
Forcing a tiebreaker in the third set, the Spaniard seemed invincible. It was a runaway train from then on, with Alcaraz collapsing to the floor in exhausted relief.
With Alcaraz’ win, the Pepperstone ATP Men’s Tennis Rankings stand at Carlos Alcaraz at No. 1, Casper Rudd is now No. 2, Rafael Nadal remains at No. 3 and Daniil Medvedev, the former World No. 1, has no dropped to No. 4.
A raft of celebrities were on hand to witness Sunday’s history-making win, with the US Open setting all-time records for both Arthur Ashe stadium attendance and TV viewership. For more roundup stats, visit usopen.org.
