By Tony Fairbairn
- Carlos Alcaraz [3] v Casper Ruud [5]
- H2H: Alcaraz leads 2-0
NEW YORK, USA – A winners take all clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud will decide who lifts their first Grand Slam title and becomes the new world number one on men’s final day.
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Carlos Alcaraz [3] v Casper Ruud [5] H2H & Match Fundamentals
Carlos Alcaraz continues to impress as he is into his maiden Grand Slam final after three consecutive five set wins over Marin Cilic, Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe. Now the Spaniard is looking to make history by winning his maiden Grand Slam title and becoming world number one at the age of 19. Standing in Alcaraz’s way is Casper Ruud with the fifth seed’s win over Karen Khachanov showing why he is the most consistent player on the tour. Now Ruud is into his second Grand Slam final of the season and is looking to achieve his lifelong goal of becoming world number one.
| Carlos Alcaraz [3] v Casper Ruud [5] | H2H: Alcaraz leads 2-0 |
| US Open 2022 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $1,300,000/$2,600,000 |
| Night match on Arthur Ashe Stadium (21:00 BST) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
The only time Alcaraz and Ruud have met this season was the Miami final where the Spaniard won in straight sets.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Carlos Alcaraz (WR 4) | Casper Ruud (WR 7) |
| Tournament Previous Best | QF (2021) | R3 (2020) |
| 1st Serve % | 65.4 | 65.5 |
| Service Games Won % | 84.8 | 86.4 |
| Break Points Saved % | 65.3 | 64.9 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 54 | 51.4 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.3 | 37.3 |
Alcaraz’s efficient returning will be put to the test against Ruud’s accurate and consistent serving.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Alcaraz’s physical and mental stamina has been put to the test over the last fortnight but now stands one win away from Grand Slam glory. Now the Spaniard looks to continue to make history and become the new world number one in what would cap off an extraordinary season. After his semi-final victory over Tiafoe, Alcaraz admitted he is trying to remain in the moment as he prepares for the biggest match of his life:
“It’s amazing to be able to fight for big things,” Alcaraz told the ATP website.
“First time in the final of a Grand Slam. I can see the No. 1 in the world, but at the same time it’s so far away. 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. I’m going to enjoy the moment and let’s see what happens.”
For Alcaraz to claim victory he will have to get past Ruud who has proven why he is the most consistent player on tour over the last two weeks. Now the Norwegian looks to claim his maiden Grand Slam title and become the new world number one as he looks to continue his family legacy of successful tennis players.
After his semi-final victory Ruud spoke about overcoming nerves and his happiness at reaching another Grand Slam final:
“This match today was another great match from my side,” Ruud admitted to the ATP website.
“I think we were both a bit nervous at the beginning, a few breaks back and forth. But you have to take into account that this match is probably the biggest in both of our careers. Of course there will also be some nerves but I was fortunate to win that first set, which calmed my nerves a little bit.
“After Roland Garros I was extremely happy but of course humble enough to think that could be my only final at a Grand Slam in my career. It doesn’t come easy, but here I am back again a couple [of] months later.”
Alcaraz will look to continue his elite returning by producing consistently deep shot-making and dominating the long rallies. Ruud will look to serve consistently and make life as difficult as possible for Alcaraz with different types of angles as well as different slices.
The Norwegian has a good chance if he can keep consistent throughout the match and test Alcaraz’s physical stamina. However this match favours Alcaraz and if he can keep his nerves in check he should become the new world number one and claim his first Grand Slam title.
Prediction: Alcaraz in four sets.
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