Carlos Alcaraz advances to US Open final, beats Frances Tiafoe

Teenage Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz became the second teenager in Open Era to reach the final of the US Open on Friday, September 9, 2022. The 19-year-old defeated American star Frances Tiafoe in the semifinal by 6(6)-7(8), 6-3, 6-1, 6(5)-7(7), 6-3 and will now face Norwegian star Casper Ruud in the final.

Alcaraz also became the youngest men’s player since 1990 to reach the final of the US Open. He is only second to Pete Sampras, who won the Grand Slam title in 1990. Sampras was 19 years and 28 days old when he won the US Open in 1990, compared to Alcaraz’s 19 years 4 months 5 days, as on September 9.

Also Read: US Open 2022: Casper Ruud beats Karen Khachanov to reach semifinals

The third seed is also the youngest Grand Slam finalist since Rafael Nadal at the French Open in 2005. He started the match underwhelmingly, dropping the opening set to Tiafoe. However, the world no. 4 made a comeback in the second and third sets, winning both.

Tiafoe, who defeated Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinal to reach the semis, put up a memorable display against the third-seeded Spanish sensation. The American star made a comeback in the fourth set, winning it 6(5)-7(7) following a tie-break.

The American also put up a stark competition in the deciding set as he went on to take a lead in the opening game. However, Alcaraz made a comeback and led 2-0. This did not deter Tiafoe, who made a comeback by winning the third game, making the score 2-1.

Also Read: US Open 2022: Carlos Alcaraz’s road to the final

However, he could not cope against an energetic Alcaraz, who went on to lead and clinch the set with a score of 6-3.

“It’s amazing to be able to fight for big things. 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,” Alcaraz said after the game. “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,” the youngster added.