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Before Carlos Alcaraz downed home-hope Frances Tiafoe in the second semifinal of the 2022 US Open, Casper Ruud beat Russia's Karen Khachanov in the first at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday.
The three-hour match between Ruud and Khachanov saw the Norwegian win 7-6(5), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. Alcaraz, on the other hand, played his third consecutive five-set match as he outplayed Tiafoe 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-3 in four hours and 19 minutes.
The two youngsters are looking to lift their first Grand Slam title this Sunday in New York. While 19-year-old Alcaraz will play a Major final for the first time, it will be the second for 23-year-old Ruud. At the 2022 French Open, the Norwegian faced a crushing straight-sets defeat to 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the finals.
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Speaking of Nadal, as soon as the two finalists were decided, some fans pointed out the connection both of them had with the 36-year-old. At the age of 19, Ruud joined the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain and trained there for a long time. Nadal's compatriot Alcaraz, who grew up watching his idol, has always shown appreciation for him.
These two factors led fans to suggest that regardless of who wins, the legend from Mallorca will be happy.
"Ain't that a beautiful thing. A product of the Rafa Nadal academy and a kid who learned his craft during the aura and era of Rafa Nadal, each vying for #1," a fan tweeted.
"Tiafoe played a brilliant match. He lost but he is a champion in every way. Alcaraz, well, what can one say? He is a phenom. And considering all the time Ruud spent at the Nadal Academy, learning the Rafa way, it feels like an all Spanish men’s final," a user posted.
"Alcaraz vs Ruud, Two RAFANS, This is how he inspired younger generation, its not about their game, its about their humbleness, sportsmanship and attitude," another tweet read.
Here are a few more reactions:
"I will have to show my best" - Carlos Alcaraz on facing Casper Ruud
Carlos Alcaraz leads 2-0 head-to-head against Casper Ruud so far. The pair are about to write the third chapter of their rivalry on one of the biggest stages and in the world's biggest tennis stadium.
Although Ruud is yet to win a set against the 19-year-old, he is in great form right now and will look to avenge his previous losses. In a post-match press conference, the Spaniard stated that having faced him twice already, he knows Ruud well and has also had a lot of conversations with him off the court.
"I played against him twice. I know him very well," Carlos Alcaraz said. "We shared a lot of moments in the tournaments. Of course, he's a very nice guy off the court. I talk with him a lot, when we can. But, yeah, on the court, I know him. As I said, I played twice. I beat twice him. I mean, he's playing really, really well. I know that. I will have to show my best."
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