First of all, the conclusion that Craig O'Shannessy comes to in his analysis of the 2022 US Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud: It was an extremely close match that could have gone in the direction of the Norwegian. Because Ruud's match plan was the right one: If you want to win against Alcaraz, you have to massage his backhand side. And that's exactly what Casper Ruud did: 69 percent of Ruud's shots went into Alcaraz's backhand side (excluding serves and passing shots).

In total, Alcaraz had to hit 222 balls to the left of the center line. But, and according to O'Shannessy this is what ultimately brought the Spaniard the victory, Alcaraz hit 97 of these 222 shots with the forehand. Which speaks for the outstanding footwork of the new world number one.

Alcaraz ahead in shorter rallies

And the result proves Alcaraz right: in sets three and four he went around the backhand 57 times, making eight direct points with only six mistakes. In a match this close, that can make all the difference.

Because of the very long rallies (more than nine shots), Casper Ruud won 16, Carlos Alcaraz only 13. But: only twelve percent of all rallies actually went over nine or more shots. Alcaraz won 114 of all other points - and Ruud only 106. So small margins. But you can expect that in a Grand Slam final.