Sports

US Open 2022: Carlos Alcaraz advances to maiden Grand Slam final after ousting local favourite Frances Tiafoe

September 10, 2022
Bharat Times

Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz defeated American Frances Tiafoe 6-7 (6-8), 6-3, 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 to enter his first-ever US Open final. Alcaraz will play Casper Ruud for a Grand Slam trophy and World No. 1 rank.

Carlos Alcaraz during the US Open semi-final. (AP Photo)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Carlos Alcaraz defeated Frances Tiafoe in a five-setter semi-final match
  • The semi-final match between Alcaraz and Tiafoe lasted 4 hours and 18 minutes
  • Alcaraz will play final against Casper Ruud for the trophy and World No. 1 rank

Number three seed Carlos Alcaraz overcame a spirited and local favourite Frances Tiafoe to advance into his maiden US Open final on Friday, September 9.

The Spanish sensation Alcaraz defeated American Tiafoe 6-7 (6-8), 6-3, 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 in the semi-final which lasted four hours and 18 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Alcaraz has set up the final showdown with Casper Ruud for a Grand Slam trophy and World No. 1 rank.

The equation was down to three players – Rafael Nadal, Casper Ruud and Carlos Alcaraz, but Ruud eliminated Nadal from the race after he defeated Karen Khachanov in the semi-final. With his semi-final win, Alcaraz has become the second Spanish man to reach the US Open final after Nadal since 2019.

Both Alcaraz and Tiafoe consistently hit groundstrokes and serves aggressively, indicating how much the sport has evolved since the domination of the Big Three. Alcaraz saved four points in the opening set with a series of serves and groundstrokes. But just when it seemed the set was going in favour of Alcaraz, Tiafoe maintained his calm and took the first set in a tiebreak.

Alcaraz upped his game and drew even with Tiafoe with his brilliant shotmaking in the second set. The Spaniard continued to frustrate the American and even threatened to some extent as he took the third set in a dominating fashion. With Alcaraz one set away from entering into the final, Tiafoe bounced back and took the set deep as he forced a tiebreaker before pushing for the deciding fifth set.

Alcaraz missed one break advantage but didn’t repeat in his second chance in the fifth set. Tiafoe missed a shot in the net and Alcaraz eventually fell to his back to celebrate his victory over Tiafoe. The win made Alcaraz the first player on Tour to reach 50 wins this season.

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