15 Years Later: Alcaraz Bids To Become First To Defend US Open Title Since Federer

Carlos Alcaraz has a chance to become the first player to successfully defend his US Open trophy in 15 years.

Nobody really expected Carlos Alcaraz to win a Grand Slam trophy last year, but after his tremendous rise, it didn't come as a huge surprise. It was a slow buildup, though one that was reasonably expected as he admitted earlier that year at Roland Garros that he's ready to win one.

It would only come a few months after that at the US Open, where Alcaraz made his way to the final by beating some big names such as Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe. The Spaniard took on Casper Ruud in the final ending up as the winner.

It was his maiden Grand Slam trophy, which he'll remember for the rest of his life, but likely not the last one he'll win in New York. The goal is to win another one this year, and the Spaniard is one of those that could win it.

Read also

Former World No.1 Simona Halep Reaffirms Innocence After Doping Ban

Most analysts have him either as the top favourite or the second most likely to win behind Djokovic. To do that, he'll have to overcome a great field of challengers, but the reward is worth it. Winning another Grand Slam trophy is obviously the grand prize, but he would also achieve a nice milestone by doing that.

We haven't seen a male player successfully defend their US Open trophy since Roger Federer did it 15 years ago. It last happened in 2008 when Federer won the last of his five US Opens. It concluded a dominant run of five consecutive trophies.

Now, Alcaraz will try to do what many before him failed. Players like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, and Andy Murray all won the event in the past 15 years, but none of them managed to successfully defend the trophy.

Read also

'I'll Never Put It On Social Media': Sinner Wants To Keep Dating Life Private