Carlos Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud in a pulsating US Open final to claim his first Grand Slam title in the early hours of Monday morning.
The Spaniard won 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, prevailing in a 73-minute third set on his charge to victory. Alcaraz was on the brink of falling to a 3-0 game deficit after surrendering the second set but held his nerve and broke back to force a tiebreak.
The third seed - who reached the final with a thrilling five-set triumph over American Frances Tiafoe - dismantled fifth-seed Ruud in the tiebreak, winning 7-1 as the momentum shifted drastically in his favour. Alcaraz served beautifully in the fourth set and produced some sublime defensive shots to break midway through.
