Tennis-Alcaraz primed for U.S. Open defence as Djokovic rivalry grows

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 11, 2022 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after winning the U.S. Open REUTERS/Mike Segar

(Reuters) - Carlos Alcaraz has taken the tennis world by storm since becoming the youngest men's world number one after his U.S. Open triumph last year and he will look for another statement win at Flushing Meadows to cement his standing in the sport.

The 20-year-old tightened his grip on top spot by capturing his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon following an epic five-set final victory over Novak Djokovic, becoming the youngest champion since Boris Becker in 1986 and only the third Spanish man to win the title after Manuel Santana and Rafa Nadal.