Not only will Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud battle it out for the US Open title, but the winner knows they will also become world No. 1 for the first time. The 19-year-old Alcaraz could become the youngest man to win a grand slam since Spain’s Rafael Nadal did it at the same age at the 2005 French Open, while Rudd would become the first Norwegian No.1. The last two winners of the men’s title were first-time winners with Dominic Thiem in 2020 and Daniil Medvedev last year. “It’s amazing to be able to fight for big things. First time in a Grand Slam final. I can see the world number one and at the same time he’s so far away,” Alcaraz said. “I have one more to go against a player who is playing incredibly. He deserves to play in the final. He played the final of a Grand Slam at Roland Garros and this is my first time. I will give everything I have.” Ending with so much on the line is fitting, with Rudd describing it as the “ideal situation”. “Of course there will be nerves and we will both feel it,” said the 23-year-old. “Hopefully it’ll be a good match. He’s beaten me a few times and I’ll be looking for revenge.” This is Rudd’s second grand slam final of the year after losing to Rafael Nadal at the French Open and he hopes the experience can help against Alcaraz. “Nadal obviously gave me a good win,” Rudd said. “After the final I said, ‘If I ever get there again, I hope it’s not Rafa on the other side of the court at Roland Garros,’ because I think that’s impossible for any player. I’m glad it’s not Rafa on clay. “Hopefully it might have prepared me a little bit. At least I know a little bit what I’m dealing with when I step on the field, seeing the trophy at the back of the field, seeing tons of celebrities. Hopefully I can be more ready for that on Sunday.”
