US Open 2022: Carlos Alcarazs road to the final

The 2022 US Open is approaching its business end. While the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios have already bowed out of the year’s final Grand Slam event, the tournament has brought out a brand new set of stars for the men’s singles finals. 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz is one of them and will hope to go the extra mile to finally clinch the title and become ATP no. 1.

Alcaraz has displayed consistent performance this year. While he was knocked out from the third round in the Australian Open, he reached the quarterfinal in French Open, Round of 16 in Wimbledon and now final of the US Open. He also won the Miami Open, before clinching the Madrid Open by defeating Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev. Let’s take a look at his road to the final at the 2022 US Open. 

Also Read: US Open 2022: Casper Ruud’s road to the final

First round

The teenage Spanish sensation began his US Open campaign with a victory over Argentina’s Sebastian Baez in straight sets on Tuesday, August 30. Alcaraz beat Baez by 5-7, 5-7, 0-2 at the Flushing Meadows to kickstart his title bid.

Second round

Alcaraz faced Federico Coria of Argentina in the second round of the US Open 2022. He registered an impressive victory by beating the Argentine in straight sets, with a score of 2-6, 1-6, 5-7.

“It’s been a great year for me but it’s not the end of the year,” Alcaraz said after the match. 

Also Read: Frances Tiafoe’s age, height, net worth, girlfriend, and family

“I am very happy to be the player with the most victories but I have to look forward and go for it,” he added.

Third round

The 19-year-old faced Jenson Brooksby of America in the third-round match. He continued his winning streak once again as he defeated Brooksby in straight sets, with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

“I played really, really well,” the world no. 4 said after the match. “I knew that it was going to be a tough match. I’m really happy with my performance,” he added. 

Also Read: US Open: Why was Nick Kyrgios fined after his quarterfinal defeat?

Round of 16

Alcaraz faced Marin Cilic in the last 16 match on September 6 at the Flushing Meadows. He showed tremendous speed, skill and determination to defeat Cilic in a five-set encounter that ended in favour of him with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6.

“Honestly, I don’t know how I did it…It was very tough at the start of the fifth, Marin played unbelievable but I believe in myself,” he said after the match.

Quarterfinal

His quarterfinal match against Italian star Jannik Sinner turned out to be one for the history books. Alcaraz defeated Sinner 6-3 6-7 6-7 7-5 6-3 in a victory, which lasted for five hours and 15 minutes, the second longest in the history of the US Open.

The victory also helped him become the youngest Grand Slam semifinalist among men participants since Rafael Nadal in 2005. 

Also Read: Watch: Carlos Alcaraz’s winning moment vs Sinner in US Open quarterfinal

Semifinal

Alcaraz defeated Frances Tiafoe 6(6)-7(8), 6-3, 6-1, 6(5)-7(7), 6-3 in the semifinal of men’s singles in the US Open on September 10. Tiafoe defeated Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinal to advance to the semifinal but could not defeat the Spanish sensation.

The victory also helped him become the youngest men’s player since 1990 to reach the final of the US Open.

Final

Alcaraz will now face Norway’s Casper Ruud in the final on September 11. Both players are currently in contention to become ATP no.1 and the match will decided who will come out on top.