Alcaraz wins first Masters 1000 title in Miami

Carlos Alcaraz secured a maiden ATP Masters 1000 title as he defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets to win the Miami Open.

The 18-year-old Spaniard triumphed 7-5, 6-4 against Norway’s Ruud, his fellow first-time Masters 1000 finalist, in an hour and 52 minutes.

Alcaraz bounced back from a slow start to claim the first set, having been 4-1 down, then broke Ruud twice early in the second en route to sealing victory.

He becomes the youngest Miami men’s champion in the event’s history, and the thirdyoungest ATP Masters 1000 champion.

Alcaraz, who is set to move up to 11th in the ATP rankings, said in his on-court interview: “I have no words to describe how I feel right now, but it is so special to win my first Masters 1000 here in Miami. I’m so happy with the win and for sure with my team.

“I knew Casper is playing very well, he has a big forehand. I tried to play to his backhand first and tried to go to attack, to not let him dominate the match.”

On Saturday, Iga Swiatek defeated Naomi Osaka in straight sets to claim the women’s title and continue her remarkable winning run on hard courts.

The 20-year-old Pole beat Japan’s Osaka 6-4, 6-0 in one hour and 17 minutes to win her 17th successive match on the surface and third successive title, having also triumphed in Doha and Indian Wells.

Swiatek, who will become world No 1 for the first time today following the retirement of Ashleigh Barty, told WTA Tennis: “I just feel really satisfied and fulfilled and also proud of myself. I feel like I have got to celebrate, because I don’t know how long I can keep up with this streak.”*