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 evening 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.
