Carlos Alcaraz beats Casper Ruud in US Open final to win first grand slam at age of 19

Spanish teen will rise to world No 1 after 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 victory. Not since the initial rise of Rafael Nadal, around the year of Alcaraz’s birth in 2003, has an arrival to the very top of the sport felt so certain.

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz poses with the championship trophy after defeating Casper Ruud in the men's singles final of the US Open

Throughout this historic season, as he methodically climbed towards the top of his profession despite being a teenager in just his second full year on the ATP tour, Carlos Alcaraz was unfailingly clear about his objective: he was here to win grand slams. Not at some vague point in the future, or when he gained a little more experience, but now. He was ready.

He has backed up his intentions every step of the way and on Sunday night he capped off his wild, thrilling ride to his maiden grand slam title by withstanding an intense challenge from Casper Ruud before powering on with his shotmaking and athleticism. He beat his Norwegian opponent 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 to capture the US Open – and a grand slam title – for the first time in his young career.