By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, September 9, 2022

Flushing Meadows, NY—With the No.1 ranking on the line, Casper Ruud stepped up and delivered another vintage performance on Friday in Flushing Meadows, marching past Russia’s Karen Khachanov, 7-6(5), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.



The Norwegian, who becomes the first player from his country to reach a US Open final, can finish the US Open as the ATP’s No.1-ranked player in one of two ways.

If Alcaraz defeats Frances Tiafoe tonight, tomorrow’s title winner will reach No.1.
If Alcaraz falls to Tiafoe, Ruud will lock up the top ranking no matter what happens in the final.

The Norwegian says he would prefer to decide it in the final.

“I think what's most fair is if we both reach the final and whoever wins the final reaches the world No. 1,” he said. “That would be I think the ideal situation.”

But he won’t lose any sleep over it if Alcaraz loses.

“If I go to bed as No. 1, I will sleep pretty damn well, I guess,” he said.