All-action Alcaraz the king of New York

US Open glory sees 19-year-old become youngest world No 1 in history

Walking out for his first Grand Slam final at age 19, Carlos Alcaraz bumped fists with fans leaning over a railing along the path leading to the Arthur Ashe Stadium court. Moments later, after the coin toss, Alcaraz turned to sprint to the baseline for the warm-up, until being beckoned back to the net by the chair umpire for the customary prematch photos.

Alcaraz is imbued with boundless enthusiasm and energy, not to mention skill, speed, stamina and sangfroid. And now he's a US Open champion and the No 1 player in men's tennis.

Using his uncommon combination of moxie and maturity, Alcaraz beat Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (1),6-3 on Sunday to earn the trophy at Flushing Meadows and become the youngest man to lead the ATP world rankings.