MY ACCOUNT
Carlos Alcaraz will “give everything” to win the US Open and become world number one as he prepares to face Casper Ruud in Sunday’s final.
Alcaraz overcame home favourite Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling five-set semi-final at Flushing Meadows on Friday, winning 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-3.
The 19-year-old will take on Ruud for the title after the Norwegian beat Karen Khachanov in four sets earlier in the day.
The honour of becoming world number one will also be on the line for both, after current holder Daniil Medvedev was eliminated in the round of 16 by Nick Kyrgios.
Speaking on-court after his victory against a spirited Tiafoe, Alcaraz said: “To be honest in the semi-final of a grand slam you have to give everything.
“We have to fight until the last ball. It doesn’t matter if we are fighting for five hours, six hours. It doesn’t matter. You have to give everything on court. Frances gave everything on court. This is amazing.”
The winner of Sunday’s final will seal his first career grand slam, while Alcaraz will create history if he wins as it will make him the youngest world number one since the ATP rankings began in 1973.
It will be the Spaniard’s first grand slam final, while his opponent appeared in a losing effort to Rafael Nadal in June’s French Open final.
Alcaraz will need to recover from his third consecutive five-set match at the US Open, but insisted he will “give everything” to win.
“It’s amazing to be able to fight for big things. First time in the final of a grand slam. I can see the number one in the world, but at the same time it’s so far away,” Alcaraz added.
“I have one more to go against a player who is unbelievable. He deserves to play a final. He played the final of a grand slam in Roland Garros. This is my first time.
“I’m going to give everything that I have. I will have to handle the nerves of being in a final of a grand slam, but obviously I’m really, really happy and as I said before every match, I’m going to enjoy the moment.”
