Alcaraz Comes Back To Win First Set Vs. Ruud In Miami Final

The 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz is one set away from claiming the biggest ATP Tour title of his career at the Miami Open presented by Itau.

The Spaniard leads sixth seed Casper Ruud in Sunday’s final at Hard Rock Stadium after taking a 7-5 opening set in just under an hour.

Just as in his semi-final win over Miomir Kecmanovic, Alcaraz dropped the opening three games of the set as he found his footing on the stadium court. Ruud started well, but was helped along by five early errors from Alcaraz as he eased in front.

But after getting to at least 40/30 in his opening three return games, Alcaraz got the break back on his third break chance of the match. From 1-4 down, he won six of seven games to wrestle away the opening stanza — a ripped 102-mph forehand winner bringing up his break chances at 5-5.

The Spaniard applied consistent pressure on the Ruud serve, frequently putting his opponent on the back foot with deep returns. Without blowing away the sixth seed on serve, Alcaraz held comfortably until he was forced to save a break point while serving out the set. A big serve erased the chance as the youngster powered to a one-set lead.

Alcaraz is seeking to becoming the youngest Miami champion in the event’s 37-year history, and the third-youngest ATP Masters 1000 champion overall, spanning 283 events from 1990.

Ruud, competing in his 10th ATP Tour final, is seeking the second hard-court trophy of his career. The first Norwegian to contest a Masters 1000 final, he holds a 7-2 record in his previous finals while Alcaraz is a perfect 2-0.