Carlos Alcaraz wins US Open 2022 at 19 and becomes youngest world number one in history

19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz has won the 2022 US Open, defeating Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 in the finals of the competition. The youngster has become the youngest world number one in history. 

The US Open champion jumped from number four to number one in the rankings, which is the joint-highest jump. Moreover, he is the first teenager to ever make it to the top of the rankings. 

Carlos Alcaraz becomes US Open champion in record breaking 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],” Carlos Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony. 

“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, all the tough decisions have been with my parents and my team as well. It is something that is really special for me.” 

Alcaraz becomes the youngest Grand Slam champion since Rafael Nadal won Roland Garros in 2005 at the age of 19. He is also the youngest to win the US Open title since Pete Sampras in 1990.