Alcaraz, 19, defeated Ruud, 23, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 in a match that lasted more than three hours.
Alcaraz becomes the youngest Grand Slam singles winner since compatriot Rafael Nadal won the first of his major titles in June 2005.
“This is something I’ve dreamed about since I was little. To be No. 1 in the world, to be a champion,” Alcaraz said, adding that he was thinking of some of his family members who were unable to see them. he plays
“I always say that it is not time to get tired in the final round of the Grand Slam, you have to give everything you have inside”, he said.
Ruud said he will continue to chase the No. 1 spot.
“Today was a special day, both Carlos and I knew what we were playing for and we both knew what was at stake,” said Ruud. “I’m disappointed, of course, that it’s not No. 1, but No. 2 isn’t too bad either.”
Alcaraz played three consecutive five-set matches en route to the final, including the second-longest match in US Open history when he beat Jannik Sinner at 2:50 a.m. in Thursday’s quarterfinals, the last end of the tournament. .
“It’s a grand slam final, fighting for world No. 1, something I’ve dreamed of since I was little,” Alcaraz told reporters early Saturday after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the final four .
During the US Open, the Spaniard captivated the crowd with his speed, athleticism and outrageous strokes. This latest victory could be the first of many Grand Slam titles throughout his career.
A clay-court specialist, Alcaraz has drawn comparisons to 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal and is only the second Open Era player to reach the U.S. Open final in his teens after Pete Sampras.
“Right now, you can see that all the hard work I put in every day is paying off,” Alcaraz told reporters early Saturday.