The teenage sensation from Spain needed three hours and 20 minutes on court in New York to beat Norway's Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 and 6-3 to win the final Grand Slam of the year.

In doing so he becomes the youngest player to rise to the rank of number one in the world.

Following the gruelling final Alcaraz said it’s surreal to achieve what he has at his age.

“It’s crazy for me. I’ve never thought that I was going to achieve something like that at 19 years old,” Alcaraz said.

“So everything has come so fast. For me it’s unbelievable. This is something I've dreamed of since I was a kid, since I started playing tennis.

“To be able to lift this trophy today is something amazing for me.”

Ruud in his turn rose to second in the world following his campaign at Flushing Meadows.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Iga Swiatek of Poland beat Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 6-2 and 7-6 to win the women's singles title.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport