A first Grand Slam final for Carlos Alcaraz.

The Spaniard, 4th in the world, dismissed, on Friday September 9, the American France Tiafoe (26th) 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6- 3, to reach the final stage of the US Open.

Carlos Alcaraz, 19, who could become the youngest world No.1 if he wins the title, will face Norwegian Casper Ruud (7th at 23) in the final on Sunday and the winner will replace Russian Daniil Medvedev at the top of the hierarchy. world.

Carlos Alcaraz delivered three fights of very high intensity, until the half on Friday, to reach the final of the US Open.

But he claims to have prepared very well physically and mentally: "I'm not afraid of the final," he says.

The 19-year-old Spaniard beat Marin Cilic in five sets and 3:54 in the round of 16, then Jannik Sinner in five sets and 5:15 in the quarters and Frances Tiafoe in five sets and 4:19 in the semis.

It's been more than nine and a half hours on the Arthur Ashe court in just under two days for the Spaniard, whose crazy speed and unwavering self-sacrifice have never waned despite the accumulation of efforts and doubts. which could have arisen.

"Carlos was too strong"

Because Alcaraz missed a match point at 5-4 in the 4th set, and paid dearly for it, Tiafoe pocketing the tie-break in the process, an exercise in which he excels to the point of having won the eight he has played during this fortnight, beating Pete Sampras' record at Flushing Meadows (7).

But the Murcia prodigy quickly moved on.

Tightening the noose even stronger at the start of the fifth inning, he did not give his opponent the possibility of believing that he would end up winning after being miraculously saved.

In tears, Tiafoe also recognized the superiority of Alcaraz after a long embrace.

"I gave it my all, but Carlos was too strong. This loss really hurts. I will come back and win this tournament one day," he said as former First Lady Michelle Obama and the actor Samuel L. Jackson, among an audience of stars who had not graced the stands of Arthur Ashe since the elimination - synonymous with retirement - of Serena Williams.

"It's incredible to be able to fight for such big goals, to aim for a first Major, the first place in the world", commented Carlos Alcaraz.

So far, only Pete Sampras has won the US Open before he turns 20.

On Sunday, the Spaniard will face the Norwegian Casper Ruud: the winner will win his first Grand Slam title and at the same time become world No. 1.

With AFP

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