Carlos Alcaraz Wins His First Grand Slam Title and Becomes The Youngest to Win the US Open at 19
For a few years now, fans have seen the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal dominate the world of men's professional tennis and rack up countless wins at major tournaments like the US Open. The spotlight wasn’t on them this past weekend however, instead shining upon 19 year-old Carlos Alcaraz as he faced off against Casper Rudd in the finals of the US Open. Rudd is another big name in the world of professional tennis and it wasn’t necessarily unsurprising to see him reach this year’s US Open finals, however his experience wasn’t enough to stop Alcaraz in pursuit of his first grand slam title. It took Alcaraz just four sets to complete this feat, only losing the second set and winning the other three in dominating fashion, and to become the youngest to ever win the US Open, earning the budding star his first grand slam title before he is even old enough to drink alcohol. Alcaraz takes the record from Lleyton Hewittt who won the title back in 2001 at the age of 20 years and nine months year old, making Alcaraz over an entire year younger than Hewitt and firmly cementing his place in the history of men’s professional tennis well before his career has even had the chance to truly take off yet. Alcaraz was understandably emotional when interviewed after his big win: “It is something I have dreamt of since I was a kid. To be No. 1 in the world, to be champion of a Grand Slam, is something I have worked really, really hard [for]... It is tough to talk right now, I have lots of emotions. This is something I have tried to achieve. All the hard work I have done with my team and my family. I am just 19 years old… It is something that is really special for me."
While most 19 year olds are focused on things like college or beginning their careers, Carlos Alcaraz was more concerned with making history. At just 19 he still has a lot left in the tank as well and we could be witnessing the ascent of someone who could become one of the biggest names in men’s professional tennis, but only time can tell for certain. Tennis fans as well as general sports fans might have a lot to look forward to as Alcaraz continues to pursue greatness and hopefully become one of the biggest names in the world of professional tennis.
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