– When someone asks about a player’s biggest weapon, they usually think of the forehand or backhand. His moves are. We have to measure the line, in a way. He is very fast and reaches balls that you have probably never seen before, says Ruud about the Spanish opposition in the final. Before the final, Ruud had hoped that Alcaraz, with his total of 20 hours and 19 minutes in his legs, would be an advantage for the Norwegian. In the final, Alcaraz seemed as sharp as ever. – It was undoubtedly a thought, but he is young, and comes to his senses quickly. He looked healthy, as always. It is not surprising, but impressive, he says. AGILE: Carlos Alcaraz. Photo: MIKE SEGAR / Reuters Now Ruud believes that the game has changed for the future. – Make the list After the victory, Alcaraz became the youngest player in history to be ranked world champion. Ruud believes that the physical aspect of tennis is at a level it has never been before, and that it is tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer who have shown the way. – The physical aspect has all improved, and the speed and agility are only getting better and better. I think Nadal and Federer set the list for how you can move, says Ruud. He sees a clear sign of similarity between young Alcaraz and the legend Nadal. – When Nadal was young, he was also similar to Alcaraz. He brought in most of the balls, and was flexible. Carlos has a mix of both. He is both fast and flexible. He is difficult to beat, says Ruud. He also believes that the team behind Alcaraz is a big help on his way to the top. – He receives treatment from the same doctor as Nadal, so he gets really good help and does all the right things. It’s impressive, no doubt. SPLIT: Here, Alcaraz is almost at a crossroads during the final. Photo: MATTHEW STOCKMAN / AFP Stand out Tennis expert Christer Francke has followed the development for a long time, and agrees that tennis has developed in the area. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are two he believes have always been physically raw. In the US Open final, you got to see two newcomers who stand long matches well. – The very best players are more physical now, says Francke to news. The tennis expert believes that this is where the work lies, when you have the technique as a basis. – Most of the top 100 in the world can play forehand and backhand, and do it very well. Then it’s about the physical and mental aspects, which determine how good you are. If you can’t take it, you’ll get tired in the head. Then you won’t be able to win either, he says. He believes that Alcaraz has innate qualities, which make him so reactive and explosive, in addition to being extremely flexible and energetic. If you look at Ruud, he is fundamentally physically strong and persistent. – They are a little different, but there are several roads to space, he says. TROPHY: Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud at the award ceremony after the US Open final. Photo: Charles Krupa / AP Alcaraz played three five-set matches before the final, and had just as much energy in the final. – How did he get it? – The advantage is that he is 19 years old. If you’re young, you tolerate it better. Had this been a player of 30 or more, I don’t think he would have lasted to the same extent. It’s about mental attitude and a bit about how the body recovers. He clearly has good genes, and is light in body, says Francke. Previous winners of the US Open Male winners of the US Open in the last ten years: 2021: Daniil Medvedev, Russia 2020: Dominic Thiem, Austria 2019: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2018: Novak Djokovic, Serbia 2017: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2016: Stan Wawrinka, Switzerland 2015: Novak Djokovic, Serbia 2014: Marin Čilić, Croatia 2013: Rafael Nadal, Spain 2012: Andy Murray – Difficult to understand Ruud finds it almost surreal that a player who is four years younger than himself has become world champion. He can only believe that Alcaraz is one of the rare ones. – It is difficult to understand that he is a teenager. I see him as one of the few, rare talents that comes along from time to time. Then we’ll see how the career develops, but it’s going in the right direction. He has shown incredible fighting ability, and a will to win, says Ruud. He thinks he is riding a wave at the moment. – He lost in a match a little while ago, but still managed to win the tournament. Things have really gone in his favor. Now he is riding the wave, and right now he is the best player in the world in my eyes. He himself is happy that he is ranked as the second best player in the world. – I am really proud to be number two. That’s a good thing, because then I can still chase a place. It will be tough, but then I have something to conquer, says Ruud.
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