This year’s US Open has provided a glimpse into the future and Carlos Alcaraz is fancied to complete his meteoric rise by beating Casper Ruud in the final.
The 19-year-old is the youngest man to make a slam decider since his fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal won his maiden title at the French Open back in 2005.
Nerves do not look an issue, nor are there any fears of fatigue at the end of a long fortnight, as he appears to have the same mental and physical fortitude as his compatriot.
We’re taking 29/10 for the teenager to prevail 3-1 as our first Casper Ruud vs Carlos Alcaraz prediction.
Casper Ruud Odds
Of course, Ruud can’t be underestimated and, as well as being a straight shootout for a maiden major trophy for both men, the winner will also assume top spot in the world rankings.
The 23-year-old is already the best player in his country’s history, having picked up a love of the sport from his father Christian, who was a top-50 player in the 1990s.
Ruud’s only titles so far have come at the lowest level of the ATP Tour, and all but one have been on clay, but he has made big strides this season, not least making a grand slam final debut at the French Open.
He was well beaten by Nadal but hopes the experience can help against Alcaraz, who will experience this level of pressure for the first time.
“Nadal obviously gave me a good beating,” said Ruud. “After the final I said, ‘if I ever reach one again, I hope it is not Rafa on the other side of the court in Roland Garros’, because it’s sort of an impossible task I think for any player. I’m happy that it’s not Rafa on clay.
“I hope it can have prepared me a little bit. At least I know a little bit what I’m facing when I’m stepping on the court, seeing the trophy on the back of the court, seeing tons of celebrities. I hope I can be more ready for that on Sunday.”
Ruud’s run to the final was a favourable one, though, with his biggest scalp being a below-par Matteo Berrettini, and this tough test could expose his limitations.
One thing to note is that three of the Norwegian’s last five matches have featured a first-set tiebreaker, so 9/4 for another here catches the eye from the Casper Ruud vs Carlos Alcaraz odds.
Carlos Alcaraz Odds
This was billed as the most open men’s grand slam tournament for two decades and, for the first time since the inaugural US major in 1881, all four of the semi-finalists were there for the first time.
It was also the youngest last four at a slam since Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were here in 2008, and the main takeaway from this fortnight will be that men’s tennis should be excited not trepidatious about the era that is coming.
Alcaraz had battled for five sets beyond 2am in his previous two matches, but showed Nadal-like powers of endurance to recover and beat American Frances Tiafoe 6-7 6-3 6-1 6-7 6-3 in the semis.
The teenager, who has spent nearly 20 hours on court in six matches, said: “I feel great right now. A little bit tired, but I’m just so, so happy.
“I thought about a young man 10 years ago dreaming for this moment. It’s amazing to be able to fight for big things. First time in a final of a grand slam. I can see the number one, but at the same time it’s so far.
“I have one more to go against a player who plays incredible. I’m going to give everything that I have. I’m going to enjoy the moment and let’s see what happens.”
Notably, Alcaraz has won both previous meetings with Ruud, a 6-2 6-4 success on clay last year and a 7-5 6-4 hardcourt triumph in this April’s Miami Open final.
We’re hoping the Spaniard can confirm that superiority and 4/5 he wins at least four more games than his opponent in this match completes our Casper Ruud vs Carlos Alcaraz betting tips.
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