Casper Ruud and Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open will be the first Grand Slam men's singles final to feature two players with chance to become world No 1 for the first time; Alcaraz said: "I have one more to go against a player who plays incredible. I'm going to give everything that I have"
Monday 12 September 2022 01:27, UK
Casper Ruud and Carlos Alcaraz will meet in Sunday's US Open men's singles final with both chasing a maiden major trophy and top spot in the rankings.
Ruud's only titles so far have come at the lowest level of the ATP Tour, and all but one have been on clay, but he has made big strides this season, not least reaching his first major final at the French Open where he was well beaten by Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz's run in New York will be remembered for a long time, whether or not he wins the title.
The teenager - who is bidding to become the youngest ever world No 1 - has played three five-set matches back-to-back.
Having finished after 2am against both Marin Cilic and then Jannik Sinner in the match of the tournament so far, he played another night-session classic against Frances Tiafoe to reach Sunday's showpiece.
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.
He's had an unbelievable season so far. We all hope he keeps going. It's a joy to watch him score goal after goal.
It is a phenomenal period in Norwegian sporting history, with the small country's athletes leading the world not just in its traditional winter sports but also in athletics and triathlon as well as tennis.
All are trumped so far, though, by Manchester City's goal machine Erling Haaland, and Ruud said: "He's had an unbelievable season so far. We all hope he keeps going. It's a joy to watch him score goal after goal.
"He's obviously the biggest star we have in Norway for the moment. He'll probably continue to be so for many more years.
"I'm just focused on my career. I hope I can, of course, win more tournaments in my career. I want to represent Norway in a good way and put Norwegian tennis a little bit more on the map than it's been the last years."
Ruud also hopes his experiences at Roland Garros can help against Alcaraz, who will play in his first Grand Slam final at the age of 19.
"(Nadal) obviously gave me a good beating," said Ruud. "After the final I said, 'if I ever reach one again, I hope it is not Rafa on the other side of the court in Roland Garros', because it's sort of an impossible task I think for any player. I'm happy that it's not Rafa on clay.
"I hope it can have prepared me a little bit. At least I know a little bit what I'm facing when I'm stepping on the court, seeing the trophy on the back of the court, seeing tons of celebrities. I hope I can be more ready for that on Sunday."
Alcaraz, who has spent nearly 20 hours on court in six matches, said: "I feel great right now. A little bit tired. I'm just so, so happy. I thought about a young man 10 years ago dreaming for this moment.
"It's amazing to be able to fight for big things. First time in a final of a Grand Slam. I can see the number one but at the same time, it's so far.
"I have one more to go against a player who plays incredible. I'm going to give everything that I have. I'm going to enjoy the moment and let's see what happens."
This was billed as the most open men's Grand Slam tournament for two decades and the main takeaway from
this fortnight will be that men's tennis should be excited not apprehensive about the era that is coming.
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