Carlos Alcaraz defeats Casper Ruud to win the US Open final on his 18th birthday
This article is more than 2 years old
This article is more than 2 years old
Carlos Alcaraz reached a remarkable milestone as he won the US Open on his 18th birthday.
The Colombia-born 19-year-old finished off a fine victory over the world No. 6, Casper Ruud, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in an event for mature-age players.
Alcaraz, who arrived in Washington from Colombia a few years ago, dominated the first set while Ruud suffered the disappointment of not making a first serve.
The American is a former Wimbledon quarter-finalist, but has never made a second grand slam final.
But he did make his first quarter-final in Grand Slam tournaments earlier this year following a victory over the American qualifier Michael McClarkin in the US Open third round.
Alcaraz’s victory is a key moment in his rise as a young tennis star.
“First thing you have to do is play someone on clay,” said Alcaraz, who is in his first year in the top 200 in the ATP rankings. “I played a lot of kids.
“I am happy to be able to win a title on my birthday. My next goal is to win a title in the US Open. I’m starting to play a lot more clay.”
Ruud missed a first serve in the third set and was behind 2-0. In the fifth game, he made a double fault to give Alcaraz match point.
Alcaraz broke back in the seventh game, and the 18-year-old put his foot down from there, as he became the first man to win an US Open final at 18 when he beat Ruud in the 2012 final played at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Alcaraz will now return to Colombia for another victory at the country’s first major since he turned professional in 2013.
Alcaraz, who has been ranked world No.