‘Brilliant sportsmanship’ Carlos Alcaraz shows classy gesture towards Hubert Hurkacz during semi-final clash at the Miami Open


‘Brilliant sportsmanship’ Carlos Alcaraz shows classy gesture towards Hubert Hurkacz during semi-final clash at the Miami  Open

Hubert Hurkacz and Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz continued his sensational run at the 2022 Miami Open to emerge victorious against defending champion Hubert Hurkacz in the semi-finals. The Spaniard held his nerve in clutch moments to win 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2) over the 8th seed Hurkacz.

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The match was end-to-end with both the players never taking a foot off the pedestal. In a match where every point mattered, Alcaraz displayed a brilliant act of sportsmanship and class as he conceded a point over an unfair call by the umpire. During the first set, Alcaraz produced a drop shot to offset Hurkacz’s rhythm who was way behind the baseline. But the Pole quickly covered ground to return the shot.

However, Chair umpire Fergus Murphy awarded the point to Alcaraz as he felt the ball bounced twice before Hurkacz hit the shot. Needless to say, the Pole was frustrated by the call and made his frustration known to the umpire. The replays clearly showed Hurkacz got the ball in time. Alcaraz then asked the umpire to replay the point and conceded it. Hurkacz applauded the young Spaniard for his incredible sporting gesture and the commentators also joined in saying ” Well done Carlos Alcaraz, he realized that Hurkacz got there.” Alcaraz eventually won the replayed point and went on to clinch the first set.

The Spaniard will now take on 6th seed Casper Ruud in the summit clash, where both the players will be vying for their maiden Masters 1000 title. Whereas Hurkacz will be looking to win the men’s doubles crown with his partner John Isner in the final on Saturday against Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski.

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‘Image of a future champion’: Fans react to Carlos Alcaraz’s class act

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz’s classy gesture was hailed by the tennis fans, as he displayed maturity and composure far beyond his years. Some even took a jibe at Nick Kyrgios saying the issue can be solved without breaking a racket, in reference to the Australian’s recent outbursts at the Indian Wells and Miami Open. While some said he has the on-court brilliance of Rafael Nadal and the calm composure and sportsmanship of Roger Federer.

Also read: “He will always remain my idol,” Italian rising star Flavio Cobolli expresses his love for Novak Djokovic