Carlos Alcaraz wins maiden ATP Masters 1000 title: Records scripted
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz has won his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Miami. The youngster defeated sixth seed Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-4, in the final at the Hard Rock Stadium. This was Alcaraz's third tour-level trophy as well. A day earlier, Iga Swiatek completed the Sunshine Double after winning the women's singles title. Here are the key records scripted by Alcaraz.
Records smashed by Alcaraz
As per ATP, Alcaraz is now the youngest Miami men's champion in the event's 37-year history. He has also become the third-youngest ATP Masters 1000 champion overall, spanning 283 events from 1990. He is now the first Spanish champion at the event. Notably, Alcaraz will rise to a career-high ATP Ranking of No. 11 with the win.
Elite company for Alcaraz
As per ATP, only Michael Chang (Toronto 1990) and Rafael Nadal (2005 Monte Carlo) were younger than Alcaraz (18 years and 333 days) when they won their first respective ATP Masters 1000 titles. Alcaraz has now replaced Novak Djokovic as the youngest Miami champion. The Serbian ace had clinched the 2007 title at the age of 19, when Alcaraz was three years old.
'It's so special to win my first Masters 1000'
Alcaraz, who took an hour and 52 minutes to claim victory, said it was a special achievement. "I have no words to describe how I feel right now," Alcaraz said. "It's so special to win my first Masters 1000 here in Miami. I have an unbelievable team with me and family... I'm so happy with the win and my team."
Alcaraz was beaten in the semis at Indian Wells
Prior to this win, Alcaraz claimed his first ATP 500 title in Rio de Janeiro in February. The Spaniard had reached the semi-finals of the previous Masters 1,000 event at Indian Wells. He had lost to Nadal, who sealed a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win.