The US Open champion tops the ATP rankings after clinching the title in New York, becoming the 28th man in the top spot since the rankings were codified in 1973.

And while Alcaraz did not face any of the ‘Big Three’ to claim his US Open title, he feels he has got what he deserves through hard work.

“Look, I don’t want to take credit away from myself,” he told the New York Times. “But it’s true that Rafa, Djokovic, Federer, they were in a period when they were all playing. I had the luck or whatever you want to call it that Djokovic could not play.

“Everybody has their reasons, but that is the reality. He could not play much for a while, and Rafa kept playing but not all year, either. But like I said, I don’t want to take credit away from myself.

“I have been playing all season, playing incredible matches and incredible tournaments, and I’ve worked really hard so that things like this could happen.”

The comments from Alcaraz come after US Open finalist Casper Ruud said similar in his post-final press conference. Ruud is the only man besides Nadal to reach two Slam finals this year, while Alcaraz is the only player to claim two Masters 1000 titles in 2022, winning in Miami and Madrid, on top of his championship run at Flushing Meadows.

Touching down straight from the US, the world number one is set to lead Team Spain in their Davis Cup Group Stage matches in Valencia this week.