'Rafael Nadal has 22 Majors, and I just won my first,' Carlos Alcaraz says

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The Spanish players have won three out of four Majors in 2022. Rafael Nadal conquered the Australian Open and Roland Garros before Carlos Alcaraz secured his first Major crown at the US Open. Carlos became the youngest Major winner since Rafa in 2005 and the first teenager on the ATP throne. Carlos endured all the obstacles in New York, prevailed in three consecutive five-setters and toppled Casper Ruud in the title clash to write history books. Alcaraz scored a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 victory in three hours and 20 minutes for his first out of many Major titles. Asked about Nadal's 22 Majors and 21 that stand between them, Carlos stated that his journey had just started, with plenty more to come in the future.

Carlos Alcaraz conquered his first Major crown at the US Open.

Both players earned three return games, and Alcaraz played better when it mattered the most. The Spaniard saved two set points in the third set's closing stages and served well in the fourth to seal the deal and start a massive celebration. Carlos fired 55 winners and 41 unforced errors, rushing to the net and standing as a more aggressive player. Alcaraz grabbed an early break in the decider and held at love with a service winner at 5-4 to claim the opener in 49 minutes. Ruud was the only player on the court in the second set. He fended off a break point at 2-2 and rattled off four straight games to clinch the set 6-2 and improve his chances with a smash winner at the net after an hour and a half.

Carlos grabbed an early break in the third set before losing serve at 2-1 to keep the rival on the positive side. They served well until the 12th game when Alcaraz faced two set points. The youngster saved the first with a volley winner and denied the second with a smash winner to bring the game home and force a tie break. With a boost on his side, the Spaniard claimed it 7-1 to move closer to the finish line. Alcaraz produced five comfortable holds in the fourth set and kept the pressure on the other side. He broke Ruud in game six after the opponent's loose backhand. Alcaraz served for the title at 5-3 and fired a booming serve to seal the deal and earn a place in history.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/bCnvw9f

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