Carlos Alcaraz is a US Open champion once more, having just secured his second title at the hard-court Grand Slam.
Alcaraz may have changed tennis forever in his win over Jannik Sinner, who he defeated 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It was the same venue for his first US Open title back in 2022, when he overcame Casper Ruud for his maiden Grand Slam success.
The victory also helped Alcaraz rise to the top of the ATP rankings, becoming the youngest number one in history at the age of 19 years and four months.
Fittingly, Alcaraz has returned to world number one after his latest US Open success, ending Sinner’s 65-week spell at the summit.
What Carlos Alcaraz thought about the US Open fans after winning the title in 2022
He climbed to the very top for the first time after overcoming Ruud in New York, where he clinched a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(7-1), 6-3 win.
And he discussed the US Open fans in the aftermath of that run, saying of his relationship with them in his winning press conference: “It means a lot to me to have a lot of people supporting me here in New York.
“What I lived last year was incredible. But this year was unscriptable. As I said, there were a lot of tough moments for me, tough matches.
“They were there all the time believing in me, supporting me. I finish the match against Jannik at almost 3 a.m. and they were there supporting me until the last ball.
“I could say this trophy is for them, as well. It’s thanks to them. Maybe if I hadn’t had them supporting me all the time, I couldn’t have this trophy today.”
What Carlos Alcaraz found ‘crazy’ about his run at the 2022 US Open
The US Open fans undoubtedly helped push Alcaraz to the title this time three years ago, and it’s fair to say their relationship has only grown since then.
They have hugely enjoyed his appearances at Flushing Meadows since then, and indeed since his main draw debut the year before.
He impressively reached the US Open quarterfinals in 2021, and also has semifinal and second round finishes to his name at the event.
But his 2022 title is undoubtedly a standout, after which Alcaraz was also asked if he was surprised or overwhelmed by those inside Arthur Ashe singing in Spanish to celebrate his victory.
He replied: “Well, I’m not surprised at all because I lived this last year, a little bit, not as much as this year.
“But, of course, I lived in Miami as well as here. Of course I’m grateful to have a lot of people supporting me in tough moments.
“Of course, I played really, really tough matches. I had really tough moments, as well. They were always there supporting me, believing in me. Thanks to them, I could believe in myself as well.
“To think that I’m able to win these matches, to overcome these tough moments, for me, is crazy to know that I have a lot of people supporting me around the world. Of course, I’m grateful to all of them.”
It truly was a spectacular run from Alcaraz, who was the third seed at the tournament, and beat fifth seed Ruud in the final.
En route, the teenager also knocked out the likes of Sinner, Marin Cilic and home favourite Frances Tiafoe.
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