Carlos Alcaraz, about to break a record at the US Open 0:40
(CNN) --
When Casper Ruud and Carlos Alcaraz meet in the US Open final, not only will a first Grand Slam title be at stake for both, but also a place atop the world rankings.
In this high-level match, Ruud will play his second final of a major tournament and Alcaraz his first.
The fifth-seeded Norwegian was knocked out by Rafael Nadal in the French Open final this year, but this Sunday's match promises to be closer, especially as Alcaraz seems to have a habit of playing five-set marathons.
The 19-year-old has played three straight five-set matches en route to the final, including the second-longest match in US Open history, when he beat Jannik Sinner at 2:50am in the quarterfinals. final, the latest finish of the tournament.
"It's a Grand Slam final, fighting for world No. 1, something I've dreamed of since I was a kid," Alcaraz told reporters after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.
Iga Swiatek defeats Ons Jabeur, wins the US Open and obtains his third Grand Slam title
If he defeats Ruud, Alcaraz will become the youngest No. 1 in the history of the ATP rankings, an accolade currently held by Lleyton Hewitt, who reached the top spot at age 20 in 2001.
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The Spaniard has wowed audiences with his speed, athleticism and outrageous shooting ability this week, and the win could be the first of many Grand Slam titles throughout his career.
Alcaraz falls to the ground after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals of the US Open.
At least, that's what Tiafoe predicted as he paid tribute to Alcaraz after their semi-final, calling his opponent "a tremendous player" and "a tremendous person."
Alcaraz, a clay-court specialist who has drawn comparisons to his compatriot and 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal, is only the second teenager in the Open Era to reach the US Open final after Pete Sampras.
Regardless of this Sunday's outcome, his future looks bright.
"Right now, you can see that all the work I do every day is paying off," Alcaraz told reporters early Saturday morning.
Ruud, meanwhile, will be looking to make history in the final with a chance to become the first Norwegian to win a Grand Slam title.
This year he has less court time than Alcaraz, having only played one five-set match, against Tommy Paul in the third round.
It has been a breakout year for Ruud when it comes to Grand Slams, as the 23-year-old had never made it past the fourth round before this year's French Open.
"I've always considered myself a normal guy. If I did it, maybe someone else can," says Rafael Nadal of his French Open record
"When you're successful, or getting successful, or experiencing success at Grand Slams, that affects your mindset," he told reporters on Friday.
"Knowing that I can get to more stages, that does something with your self-esteem."
Ruud celebrates his victory over Karen Khachanov at the US Open.
Ruud and Alcaraz have already met twice, with the latter winning twice, most recently in this year's Miami Open final.
"We are playing for the tournament and also for number 1 in the world," said Ruud.
"Of course, there will be nerves and we will both feel it."
The nerves will be understandable: for the third year in a row at the US Open a Grand Slam champion will be crowned for the first time in the men's singles competition.
Carlos AlcarazCasper RuudUS Open
