US Open 2022: ‘First of many’ – Rafael Nadal congratulates Carlos Alcaraz on maiden Grand Slam title

ByNigel Chiu

Published 12/09/2022 at 00:52 GMT

Rafael Nadal has congratulated Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud on their efforts in the US Open final, which was won by the Spanish teenager. Both players produced some incredible shots in front of a packed crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium and have risen to the top of the ATP rankings, with Alcaraz replacing Daniil Medvedev as the new world No. 1.

Rafael Nadal has congratulated his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz on winning his first Grand Slam title, stating it will be the “first of many” for the teenager.

Alcaraz beat Casper Ruud in the US Open final, 6-2 2-6 7-6(1) 6-3, to become the youngest major champion since Nadal in 2005.

The Spaniard is also the youngest US Open champion since Pete Sampras in 1990 and has replaced Daniil Medvedev as the new world No. 1.

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Despite his inexperience at Grand Slams and three consecutive five-set matches on route to the final, Alcaraz managed to handle the pressure and produced some of his best tennis.

“Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz for your first Grand Slam and [world] No. 1, which tops off your first great season, which I am sure will be the first of many,” tweeted Nadal.

Ruud was playing in his second Grand Slam final of 2022 after he lost to Nadal in the French Open earlier this year.

The Norwegian had to settle for the runners-up spot once again, but has moved up to second in the ATP rankings, behind Alcaraz.

• ‘It is incredible’ – Clijsters and Wilander react to ‘unreal’ Alcaraz triumph
• ‘It’s something I dreamed of since I was a kid’ – Alcaraz on ‘special’ US Open victory
• ‘Sky’s the limit’ - Wilander and McEnroe predict how many Grand Slams Swiatek will win

Nadal, who lost in the fourth round of the US Open to Frances Tiafoe, also congratulated Ruud on his efforts.

“Great effort Casper Ruud!” continued Nadal. “Very proud of you! Tough luck today but amazing tournament and season! Keep going!”

Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud

Image credit: Getty Images

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