Norway’s Casper Ruud defeated Matteo Berrettini in straight-sets to reach his first US Open semi-final and increase his hopes of becoming world No 1.
Ruud saved two set points in the third set on his way to a 6-1 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory over Italian Berrettini.
The French Open finalist must make the final to have a chance of pipping Rafael Nadal to top spot in the rankings, while if he were to meet Carlos Alcaraz for the trophy, the winner would also rise to the top of the men’s game.
The Norwegian is certainly well in the mix to win his first grand slam title, with defeats for Nadal, Daniil Medvedev and Marin Cilic in the fourth round meaning there will be a new men’s major champion.
Ruud said of the ranking: “I don’t want to think too much about it. It’s of course something that all young players dream about. Let’s see if I can accomplish it.