Alcaraz survives another five-setter in win over Tiafoe, will battle Ruud for maiden Grand Slam title and World No.1 ranking

Third seed Carlos Alcaraz showed no sign of fatigue in his third consecutive five-set match at the US Open, outlasting Frances Tiafoe to secure his pot in his first Grand Slam final.

The Spaniard overcame some inspired play from his American opponent in the 6-7(8) 6-3 6-1 6-7(5) 6-3 victory, setting up a mouth-watering clash with World No.7 Casper Ruud on Sunday. Not only will both men be vying for their first Major title, but the World No.1 ranking will also be at stake.

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With so much on the line, it could be expected that Alcaraz would be feeling the pressure as he faced Tiafoe on Arthur Ashe stadium in their semifinal. Both men showed no signs of nerves, as each held serve until tiebreak ensued. It was here that the pressure got to the 19-year old, as he hit a double fault when serving to stay in the tiebreak, handing the first set to the American.

Nonetheless, the Miami champion regained his composure, dominating the next two sets with some incredible shot-making and defensive gets that have to be seen to be believed. Alcaraz quickly obtained a break in the fourth, but the pro-American crowd urged Tiafoe to make a comeback, as the set progressed to another tiebreak. With the Maryland native firing on all cylinders, he quickly obtained a lead in the tiebreak, closing it out and forcing a decider.

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It was here that Alcaraz displayed his improved maturity and mental fortitude, immediately breaking Tiafoe despite the crowd firmly behind the American. However, Tiafoe once again broke back to level the score at 3-3, but soon ran out of gas as Alcaraz never dropped his intensity. The Spaniard won the next three games to secure his place in his maiden Grand Slam final, requiring a lengthy four hours and 19 minutes to accomplish his breakthrough.

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