Carlos Alcras won the Miami tournament yesterday (Sunday) and became the first Spaniard to do so and the youngest player ever to lift the trophy there. The 18-year-old Alkras, who celebrated his first 1,000 Masters title after 5: 7, 4: 6 over Caspar Rod (8th in the world), won his third career title and is the third youngest in history to win a Masters title after Michael Chang (Toronto 1990) and Rafael Nadal (Monte Carlo 2005) at age 18 and another 133 days.
“I have no words to describe the feelings now,” the Spaniard said after an hour-long game and another 52 minutes, “it’s so special to win my first 1,000 Masters title here in Miami. I have an amazing team around me and my family, I’m so happy.” Alkras, who will rise to 11th place in the world, added: “I knew Caspar was playing amazing. He has a tremendous forehand. I tried to play on his backhand and attack all the time. I tried to allow him to be dominant.”
The moment Ferrero surprised Alkras
This is so lovely.
Juan Carlos Ferrero arriving for the final of his charge, Carlos Alcaraz.
He had not been in Miami due to the passing of his father. (Via QuentinMoynet & juankiferri on IG). pic.twitter.com/brPVYUFHaT
— The Tennis Podcast (TennisPodcast) April 3, 2022
Alcras celebrated at the end with a brave hug with his coach and former tennis player Juan Carlos Ferrero, who surprised him yesterday at the hotel when he arrived in Miami. Ferrero left the team during his stay in the United States due to the death of his father, but returned after Alkras’ promotion to the final to be with him there and moved him greatly. Alcras wrote on camera: “Eduardo is always with us” and added a drawing of a heart. It was a tribute to Ferrero’s father.
Former Russian tennis player Yevgeny Kaplanikov tweeted: “There is only one person right now (maybe not even him) who can beat Alkras on clay. Do not try to argue with me about it at all.”
Rafael Nadal congratulated his compatriot and wrote: “Congratulations Carlitos on your historic win in the Miami tournament. The first of all the Spaniards to reach the final.” Nadal also congratulated the loser and wrote: “Congratulations to Caspar Road on an amazing tournament and a great result. Great season, see you soon at my academy.”