“What’s most fair is if we both reach the final” – Ruud not shying away from Alcaraz as battle for No 1 looms at US Open

After churning past Karen Khachanov in four sets to reach his maiden Grand Slam final and take a step closer to becoming the ATP’s No 1 after the US Open, Norway’s Casper Ruud told reporters that he’d prefer to face Alcaraz in a true battle for the top ranking on Sunday in Flushing Meadows.

“I think what’s most fair is if we both reach the final and whoever wins the final reaches the world No. 1,” Ruud said. “That would be I think the ideal situation.”

“I hope it will be a good match. He has beaten me a couple times and I will seek my revenge.”

Casper Ruud

Ruud did his post-match press conference as Alcaraz battled Frances Tiafoe in Friday’s second US Open men’s singles semi-final. The Norwegian, content to have reached his second major final of 2022, added that he would not lose any sleep if the 19-year-old did not meet the moment against Tiafoe.

“If I go to bed as No1, I will sleep pretty damn well, I guess.”

A few hours later, Alcaraz would come through, defeating Frances Tiafoe, 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-3.

Alcaraz sets final – Ruud gets his wish, and wants his revenge

Ruud knows first-hand how lethal Alcaraz can be. He has played the Spaniard twice, and never won a set.

Now that the Spaniard has reached his first Grand Slam final, the Norwegian will get a chance at redemption in Sunday’s US Open final.

The 23-year-old says he’ll need to be flawless when he faces him in the final.

“I think if I want to beat Carlos, I’ll need to play very precise with all the shots that I hit, especially try to keep him a little bit further back in the court, to play with good depth and length on all my shots,” Ruud said.

“If I go to bed as No1, I will sleep pretty damn well, I guess.”

Casper Ruud

Alcaraz leads the head-to-head with Ruud 2-0, but the Norwegian is looking forward to facing Alcaraz at a Slam.

“We’re playing for the tournament and also world No1. Of course, there will be nerves and we will both feel it,” he said. “I hope it will be a good match. He has beaten me a couple times and I will seek my revenge.”

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