TMZ: Serena and Venus Williams' Childhood Home to Be Auctioned Off; Worth $1.42M
Sep 15, 2022
NEW YORK - NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 1: Serena Williams and Venus Williams of the United States talk on court after losing a point during their Women's Doubles First Round against Linda Noskova and Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic on the 2022 U.S. Open Tennis Tournament on September 1, 2022. In New York. (Photo by Eduardo MunozAlvarez/VIEWpress)
Any tennis fan with a cool million and change to spare will have the opportunity to own a house with a very famous place in the sport's history.
According to TMZ Sports, the childhood home of Serena and Venus Williams in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is going up for auction in late September. The house has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and two tennis courts on a 10-plus-acre lot and is estimated to be worth approximately $1.42 million.
The Williams sisters lived there with their father, Richard, who helped them learn the game of tennis as they grew older. Their journey was chronicled in the movie King Richard, and they went on to become two of the greatest players in tennis history.
Serena Williams has been the focus of the tennis world of late after she wrote in Voguein August that she was "evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me."
However, she pointed to Tom Brady's decision to retire and then unretire during an appearance on Good Morning America and suggested her tennis career may not be done.
"I mean, you never know," she said (h/t ESPN). "I've just been saying that I think Tom Brady started a really cool trend."
Being the house where a 23-time Grand Slam champion honed her game before her legendary career took off is quite the selling point as it approaches the auction block.
Rafael Nadal Wishes Roger Federer 'All the Happiness' After Tennis Legend Retires
Sep 15, 2022
Switzerland's Roger Federer (R) hugs Spain's Rafael Nadal (L) during their tennis match at The Match in Africa at the Cape Town Stadium, in Cape Town on February 7, 2020. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP) (Photo by RODGER BOSCH/AFP via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal wished fellow tennis legend Roger Federer the best Thursday after Federer announced his retirement from the sport.
Nadal noted that while it is a "sad day" to see his "friend and rival" retire, he hopes Federer has nothing but happiness in retirement:
We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London @LaverCup
Federer is arguably the greatest men's tennis player of all time, but at age 41, injuries caught up to him and have prevented him from playing in any Grand Slam tournaments since reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year.
With 20 career Grand Slam titles during the Open Era, Federer is behind only Nadal and Novak Djokovic on the all-time list. Federer is also first for the most Wimbledon men's titles with eight.
Federer had many memorable matches and rivalries during his career, but none came close to matching what he and Nadal did together.
All told, Federer and Nadal faced each other 40 times, and Nadal holds a 24-16 advantage. Fourteen of those matches were in Grand Slam tournaments, and Nadal won 10 of them.
Federer managed two Wimbledon finals and one Australian Open final win over Nadal, though, and he defeated the Spaniard in their last match, which was in the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2019.
The Swiss star went on to lose a five-set thriller to Djokovic in what was the last Grand Slam final of his illustrious career.
While it is possible Djokovic will be considered the top player of all time, tennis was at one of its highest points when Federer and Nadal dominated the sport and faced each other on its biggest stages time and time again.
Federer's retirement is a sign that time may be getting short for Nadal as well, and it became even clearer at the U.S. Open that the young guns are starting to emerge as 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz won the tournament.
A golden era in men's tennis is coming to an end, but the respect that two of its biggest stars have for each other will mean it's remembered fondly for years to come.
Roger Federer Announces Retirement from Tennis; Legend Has Won 20 Grand Slam Titles
Sep 15, 2022
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Roger Federer of Switzerland greets the audience during the Centre Court Centenary Celebration during day seven of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 03, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images)
Another tennis icon is hanging up the racket. Roger Federer announced Thursday he will retire from professional tennis following his appearance at the Laver Cup next week.
In a voice message posted on Twitter, Federer called it a "bittersweet decision" to walk away after a 24-year career in which he won 20 Grand Slam tournament titles.
Injuries have kept Federer from playing in any tournaments this year. His most recent appearance was at last year's Wimbledon when he lost in the quarterfinals.
There was some hope that Federer might return to the ATP Tour in 2023. The 41-year-old told Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger (h/t Reuters) in June he was "definitely" hoping to get back on the court on a regular basis next year.
"I haven't planned more than the Laver Cup and Basel yet," he said. "After Basel, the season is over anyway. It's important for me to get fit again so that I can train fully. Once I've done that, I can choose how many tournaments I play and where."
Federer's decision to retire from tennis comes on the heels of Serena Williams' appearance at the U.S. Open in what is expected to be her final tournament. She lost to Ajla Tomljanovic 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1 in the third round.
This era of men's tennis has been defined by the dominance of Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. They have combined to win 63 Grand Slam singles titles since 2003.
Federer became the first men's player to reach 20 Grand Slam titles with his victory over Marin Čilić in the 2018 Australian Open final.
As things stand, Federer's last victory was at the 2019 Swiss Indoors Basel. His last appearance in a Grand Slam final was at Wimbledon in 2019. He lost a five-set thriller to Djokovic that took nearly five hours to complete.
Federer holds the men's record for most Wimbledon singles titles (eight) and the second-most ATP Tour wins (103; Jimmy Connors leads with 109).
The 2022 Laver Cup will begin Sept. 23 at the O2 Arena in London.
Serena Williams on Possible Return to Tennis: 'Tom Brady Started a Really Cool Trend'
Sep 14, 2022
Serena Williams attends the Michael Kors runway show during New York Fashion week in New York on September 14, 2022. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Tom Brady may not be the only legendary athlete who only steps away from the game only temporarily this year.
While much of the coverage of the 2022 U.S. Open—at least when it came to the women's singles draw—focused on how it was Serena Williams' final tournament of her illustrious career, she suggested she may follow in Brady's footsteps during an appearance on Good Morning America.
"I mean, you never know," she said when discussing a possible return to tennis (h/t ESPN). "I've just been saying that I think Tom Brady started a really cool trend."
Brady's future was one of the biggest storylines of the entire NFL during the past offseason as he retired and then unretired a mere six weeks later. He also stepped away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp for 11 days and agreed to a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox to eventually contribute to the network's NFL coverage.
That's quite the retirement plan, although he is back under center for a 23rd season and led the Buccaneers to a Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the 2022 campaign is "expected" to be the all-time great's last year in the league.
As for Williams, she wrote in Vogue that she was "evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me" in August, adding "it's the hardest thing that I could ever imagine."
She notably didn't use the word "retirement," although the implication was fairly clear when there was a post-victory ceremony honoring her career and the impact she has made on so many after she defeated Danka Kovinić in the opening round of the U.S. Open.
Billie Jean King spoke, Oprah Winfrey narrated a video montage and the entire thing, along with a raucous crowd that packed the stadium every time she took the court, felt like a retirement celebration.
Yet Williams impressed in New York, not only defeating Kovinić but also handling second-seeded Anett Kontaveit in the second round and taking Ajla Tomljanovic the full three sets in the third despite playing just four matches since July 2021 ahead of the year's final major.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who has 73 career singles titles, looked like she could play at an elevated level even at 40 years old with a more consistent schedule.
While that may not happen at this point, her schedule may include some more tennis tournaments in the future.
Carlos Alcaraz Is the Youngest Ever to Be No. 1 in ATP Rankings After US Open Win
Sep 12, 2022
Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, poses with the championship trophy after defeating Casper Ruud, of Norway, in the men's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
The impressive start to Carlos Alcaraz's professional tennis career has now reached record-setting status.
The U.S. Open champion became the youngest player in history to sit atop the ATP rankings after his 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 win over Casper Ruud on Sunday.
The previous youngest player to hold the top ranking was Lleyton Hewitt in 2001, at 20 years old and 268 days. Alcaraz, at 19 years and 130 days, comes in more than a full year younger.
So in the course of a few days, he played in his first Grand Slam final, won it and made history as the youngest player atop the rankings. He also was the first player in 30 years to win three straight five-set matches at the U.S. Open to reach the final, per ESPN.
And he was the second-youngest winner in the history of the U.S. Open, behind only Pete Sampras in 1990.
"Well, this is something that I dreamed of since I was a kid," Alcarez said after his win. "It's something I worked really, really hard [for]. It's tough to talk right now. A lot of emotions.''
"He's one of these few rare talents that comes up every now and then in sports. That's what it seems like,'' Ruud added. "Let's see how his career develops, but it's going all in the right direction.''
Juan Carlos Ferrero, the coach of Alcaraz, said "I think he's on 60% of his game. He can improve a lot of things. He knows and I know that we have to keep working." If that's what 60% of Alcaraz potential looks like, I can't imagine what 100% will be.
At a time when the previous generation of stars are either retiring (Serena Williams) or winding down in their careers (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic), the U.S. Open represented what might be next in tennis.
It's winners, Alcaraz and Iga Świątek, offered a glimpse into the future. Tennis appears to be in good hands.
Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Casper Ruud to Win 2022 US Open; 1st Career Grand Slam Title
Sep 11, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates a point against Casper Ruud of Norway during their Men’s Singles Final match on Day Fourteen of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Carlos Alcaraz made history on Sunday with his 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-3 win over Casper Ruud in the 2022 U.S. Open men's final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Alcaraz, who won his first career Grand Slam title, is now set to become the youngest No. 1 player in the history of the ATP rankings at 19 years and four months.
The fireworks began right away, with both youngsters opening with a ton of energy that made for some exciting play that wowed the audience in attendance. Alcaraz broke Ruud on his second service game to pull away. He closed out the set in style by holding Ruud to love on the final point.
But Ruud came alive in the second set and showed he would not go away quietly. With the set tied at 2-2, the 23-year-old rattled off four straight points. He controlled the net with some impressive drop shots that Alcaraz was unable to catch up to, and the 19-year-old looked like he started to get frustrated.
Alcaraz quickly regained his composure, opening the third set with a break point. He then went up 2-0 and had the chance at a double break, but Ruud held serve and then took a break point of his own to tie things up at 2-2.
Both players held serve from there without much resistance. Ruud had to fight hard for his fifth point after falling behind 30-0. He managed to escape trouble with an impressive rally to take a 5-4 lead, but Alcaraz held serve to tie things up once again.
Ruud easily took a 6-5 advantage, holding Alcaraz to love during the point. But with the chance to force a tiebreaker, Alcaraz put forth an outstanding effort to extend the set. The crowd was treated to some incredible tennis as both players traded the advantage back and forth before Alcaraz was able to put it away.
The fourth set saw both players holding serve through the first five points with Alcaraz holding a 3-2 lead. He managed to take control with a break point, and then held serve once again to push Ruud to the brink of defeat. Ruud managed to hold serve and stay alive, but Alcaraz calmly did the same to win the set 6-3 and close out the match.
Alcaraz is now the youngest U.S. Open champion since Pete Sampras in 1990. He's the third champion from Spain, joining Rafael Nadal and Manuel Orantes.
Now that he's set to become the new world No. 1 on Monday morning, tennis has officially entered the Alcaraz era. Sunday's Grand Slam victory could be the first of many for the 19-year-old prodigy.
US Open Tennis 2022: Updated Prize Money Payouts for Men, Women's Winners
Sep 11, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: A general view as Casper Ruud of Norway plays a smash against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during their Men’s Singles Final match on Day Fourteen of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
With the conclusion of the men's singles final on Sunday evening, the 2022 U.S. Open is officially in the books.
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz bested Norway’s Casper Ruud in four sets, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3, to become the youngest player to reach world No. 1 at just 19 years old. It was his first Grand Slam title, as it would have been for Ruud.
Earlier on Sunday, the Czech women's doubles team of Barbora Krejčíková and Katerina Siniakova defeated American duo Caty McNally and Taylor Townsend, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1, to claim their sixth Grand Slam title together. In winning an elusive U.S. Open, they also completed a career Grand Slam.
On Saturday, Iga Świątek lived up to her world No. 1 ranking, defeating Ons Jabeur 6-2, 7-6 (5) in the women's singles final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It was Świątek's first U.S. Open title and her second major championship this season, coming off the heels of her French Open win. Not only is she the first player representing Poland to win a U.S. Open, but she's the first to win a major singles title.
On Friday, No. 1 seeds Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury defeated No. 2 seeds Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski 7-6(4), 7-5, successfully defending their 2021 U.S. Open men's doubles title.
It was the first time since 2005 that the No. 1 and No. 2 men’s doubles teams met in a U.S. Open final.
In 2022, the U.S. Open set a new record for total prize purse at more than $60 million, up from $57.5 million in 2021.
For women's and men's singles, the total prize money is $42,628,000, with the respective winners taking $2.6 million. The men's and women's singles runners-up will each receive $1.3 million.
The winning women's and men's doubles teams will make $668,000 per team out of a total pot of $6,943,200, while mixed doubles teams played for a chance at $163,000, with $667,700 on the line in total.
Let's take a look at the breakdown in prize payouts for women's and men's singles, women's and men's doubles and mixed doubles at the 2022 U.S. Open.
2022 U.S. Open Women's and Men's Singles Prize Money Breakdown
Champion: $2,600,000
Runner-up: $1,300,000
Semifinalist: $705,000
Quarterfinalist: $445,000
Round of 16: $278,000
Round of 32: $188,000
Round of 64: $121,000
Round of 128: $80,000
2022 U.S. Open Women's and Men's Doubles Prize Money Breakdown (Per Team)
Winner: $688,000
Runner-Up: $344,000
Semifinalists: $172,000
Quarterfinalists: $97,500
Third Round: $56,400
Second Round: $35,800
First Round: $21,300
2022 U.S. Open Mixed Doubles Prize Money Breakdown (Per Team)
Winner: $163,000
Runner-Up: $81,500
Semifinalists: $42,000
Quarterfinalists: $23,200
Round of 16: $14,200
Round of 32: $8,300
US Open Tennis 2022 Men's Final: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Casper Ruud Preview
Sep 11, 2022
Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, gestures to the crowd after defeating Frances Tiafoe, of the United States, during the semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
A first-time Grand Slam champion will be crowned Sunday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. As the 2022 U.S. Open draws to a close, two youngsters will battle it out in the final of the men's singles tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz, a 19-year-old from Spain, is set to take on Casper Ruud, a 23-year-old from Norway. Alcaraz has made it to the final as the No. 3 seed in the tournament, while Ruud was seeded at No. 5.
It should be a competitive bout. And by the end of it, one of these two men will have earned his first win in the final of a major tournament.
Here's everything else you need to know about the Alcaraz-Ruud matchup.
Men's Singles Final Info
Date: Sunday, Sept. 11
Start Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN app
Preview
Considering Alcaraz and Ruud were both among the top-five seeded players in this year's U.S. Open, it's not a huge surprise to see them both still standing. However, they are part of a new wave of fresh faces having success at Grand Slam events.
For more than a decade, the trio of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer dominated the men's singles action at major tournaments. But Djokovic (COVID-19 vaccination status) and Federer (knee injury) weren't part of this year's U.S. Open, while Nadal fell in the round of 16, losing to Frances Tiafoe.
Alcaraz and Ruud capitalized, making deep runs through the tournament. And each clearly belongs to be here.
It's been a long week for Alcaraz, as his past three matches have all gone five sets. Yet, he keeps finding ways to pull out victories, defeating No. 15-seeded Marin Čilić in the round of 16, No. 11-seeded Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals and the No. 22-seeded Tiafoe in the semifinals.
Even though there were quite a few times Alcaraz seemed to be on the brink of elimination, he continued to persevere and win important points that sent him on to victory in each of those matches.
"I feel good, I feel great," Alcaraz said, per the ATP Tour. "Right now, I'm just so, so happy. I thought about a young man 10 years ago dreaming for this moment right now. Yeah, I'm feeling great."
This will be a new experience for Alcaraz, as he's never previously played in the final at a major tournament. Before this, the deepest he had gone at a Grand Slam event was the quarterfinals (the 2021 U.S. Open and the 2022 French Open).
Ruud has the advantage in that regard. He's already played in a Grand Slam final, and it wasn't that long ago. In June, he reached the final of the French Open, but he lost to Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-0.
On Sunday, Ruud will be looking for a different end result. He's impressed so far at the U.S. Open, winning each of his past two matches in four sets against a pair of quality opponents (No. 13-seeded Matteo Berrettini and No. 27-seeded Karen Khachanov).
Now, Ruud hopes to take down Alcaraz. And that's something he's never done, either, as Alcaraz has a 2-0 lead in the all-time series between the two men. But the stage will be much bigger this time.
“Of course, there will be nerves, and we will both feel it," Ruud said, per Howard Fendrich of the Associated Press.
Either way, it will be a special day for one of these two talented players.
Iga Swiatek Sweeps Ons Jabeur in Straight Sets to Win 1st Career US Open Title
Sep 10, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: Iga Swiatek of Poland celebrates a point against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia during their Women’s Singles Final match on Day Thirteen of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Top-seed Iga Swiatek capped off a near-perfect run at the 2022 U.S. Open with a 6-2, 7-6 (5) victory over Ons Jabeur to win the women's final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Trailing 5-4 in the second-set tiebreak, Swiatek won three consecutive points to secure the win. The match ended when Jabeur's return shot on a rally landed just beyond the baseline.
Saturday's victory marks the third career Grand Slam tournament title for Swiatek. She previously won the French Open twice (2020 and 2022). The 21-year-old only lost one set in seven matches en route to victory.
Swiatek came out of the gate on fire, winning each of the first three games in the first set. Jabeur attempted to make things interesting by winning the next two games, including breaking Swiatek's serve in the fifth game to make it 3-2.
This seemed to act as a wake-up call for Swiatek. The Polish superstar went on to win the next three games and finish the opening set in about 30 minutes.
The second set offered more drama and intrigue than the opener. Swiatek was able to hold serve in the first game, but it came after she missed more serves (three) than in the entire first set (two) and Jabeur got to deuce.
Swiatek eventually got up 4-2 in the set before Jabeur was able to gather momentum. The No. 5 seed broke Swiatek's serve in the seventh game. She held serve in the eighth game to make it 4-4.
Jabeur had three break-point chances in the next game but was unable to close it out. She committed two unforced errors, followed by an ace from Swiatek to take the lead back.
The Tunisian star rebounded when she got back on serve. She reeled off three consecutive points to even the set at 5-5.
Swiatek was able to get back on track after getting back on serve. She won the game comfortably, taking a 6-5 advantage and putting herself in position to close it out if she could break Jabeur.
At one point Swiatek did get to championship point up 40-30, but she lost the next three points to send the second set to a tiebreak.
There were some nervous moments for Swiatek in the tiebreak. She lost consecutive points while on serve because of unforced errors that put her behind 5-4. A forehand winner on the next point got her back on track to avoid going to a decisive third set.
Swiatek hasn't dropped a set in any of her three appearances in a Grand Slam final. Jabeur has had a fantastic season thus far, reaching the final at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, even though she hasn't been able to get over the hump in a Grand Slam yet.
US Open Tennis 2022: Updated Men's Bracket and Final Predictions
Sep 10, 2022
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 09: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts during semifinal of US Open Championships against Frances Tiafoe of USA at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 9, 2022.. (Photo by Lev Radin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The 2022 U.S. Open men's singles final will crown a first-time major champion and a new No. 1 in the ATP world rankings.
Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud will face off inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday with the pressure of both achievements looming over them.
Ruud appears to have the slight advantage over Alcaraz going into Sunday for a few reasons.
Ruud spent less time on court over the last week in New York and has played in a Grand Slam final before. The fifth-seeded Norwegian lost to Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open final.
Alcaraz battled through three straight five-set matches against Marin Cilic, Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe just to get to the final. The 19-year-old Spaniard also played the late match on Friday and will have less time to recover.
Alcaraz should not be counted out of the final because of the performances he has pulled off in the last three rounds, and if he wins another thrilling match, his run to the title would go down as one of the best in recent history.
U.S. Open Men's Singles Final Info
Date: Sunday, September 11
Start Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN.com and WatchESPN
Preview
The winner of Sunday's final will become the third straight first-time major winner to earn the U.S. Open men's singles title.
Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev won in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Thiem beat Alexander Zverev in a clash of players going for their first major win. Medvedev beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets last year.
The Grand Slam final stage is new to Alcaraz, who had not advanced past the quarterfinals at a major prior to his run in New York. Ruud's final appearance at the French Open was an outlier compared to the rest of his major results before the U.S. Open.
Ruud's experience of going through the motions of a Grand Slam final earlier this season should calm his nerves a bit ahead of Sunday's final.
Ruud lost that match in straight sets to Rafael Nadal, which is a result that a majority of Nadal's opponents have experienced at Roland Garros.
The Norwegian also has the edge in court time from the last week, which could help him stay fresh if the match goes four or five sets.
Ruud took care of Matteo Berrettini in three sets and defeated Karen Khachanov in four sets in the last two rounds.
Alcaraz battled through five sets versus Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe in the last two rounds, and he also went the distance in the round of 16 against 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic.
Alcaraz has some work to do to remain fresh after playing late into the night on Friday, but the good news for him is he is 19 and can probably recover better than most players on tour right now.
The Spaniard should go into the final with some confidence as well since he has a 2-0 record against Ruud in his career. The most recent win came in Miami earlier this season. Alcaraz has won all four sets he has played against Ruud.
The two head-to-head matches provide a small sample size for what Saturday's match could look like, but that previous success should help Alcaraz a bit as he gets settled into the match.
The matchup itself appears to be fairly even because of all of the circumstances that led up to the final.
Alcaraz has been better in head-to-head matchups, and he has shown the ability to close in five-set matches, but Ruud is fresher and played in a major final before.
The evenness of the matchup suggests we will see four or five sets to determine who claims their first title and the No. 1 world ranking.
Although Alcaraz will be on shorter rest, the long matches have not seemed to faze him much in New York.
The key for Alcaraz is to avoid a slow start and tiebreaks. He lost the first set to Tiafoe on Friday and dropped four sets with tiebreaks against Tiafoe and Sinner.
Alcaraz won three of his four sets against Ruud by a score of 6-4 or better. Getting the early breaks will be key for the Spaniard as he tries to beat out his well-rested counterpart.
