‘Future World No.1?’ Carlos Alcaraz joins the Big-3 in elite list with dream run at the Miami Open

Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Carlos Alcaraz marched on to his maiden Masters 1000 final with a closely fought straight-set win over defending champion Hubert Hurkacz in the semi-finals of the 2022 Miami Open. The Spaniard put on a dominant display to emerge victorious 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2) over the 8th seed Hurkacz.

With this win, Alcaraz broke multiple records. He became the becomes the fourth-youngest man to reach a final in Masters 1000 history and also the second youngest in Miami, next only to to Rafael Nadal. This also marked the 50th win of his career and is in the company of the elites of Big-3 with his stellar achievement.

The youngest semi-finalist before Alcaraz was Nadal, Andre Agassi, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. And all of them became future Grand Slam champions and World No.1. Going by the incredible poise he has displayed so far, Alcaraz is well on course to follow in the footsteps of the greats.

Teens to Reach @BNPParibasOpen & @MiamiOpen SFs
18-year-old @AlcarazCarlos03
19-year-old @RafaelNadal (Future World No. 1)
19-year-old @DjokerNole (Future World No. 1)
19-year-old @Andy_Murray (Future World No. 1)
19-year-old @AndreAgassi (Future World No. 1)
— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) April 1, 2022

Youngest #MiamiOpen finalists:

1. Rafael Nadal – 18 years, 10 months
2. Carlos Alcaraz – 18 years, 11 months

18 y/o @alcarazcarlos03 ? 18 y/o @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/RatAtHjF80
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 2, 2022

Alcaraz also became the second-youngest player to amass 50 wins and this has landed him in the list comprising of the famed Big-3- Nadal, Djokovic, and Roger Federer. He is just 3 months older compared to Nadal who completed the feat at 18 years and 7 months, while Djokovic and Federer couldn’t achieve it till they were 19.

DID YOU KNOW❓

Carlos Alcaraz's win over Hubert Hurkacz in the semifinals of Miami was the 50th win of his career.

The 18-year-old is right up there with the Big 3 in terms of how fast he's gotten to 50:

Nadal: 18y, 7m
Alcaraz: 18y, 10m
Federer: 19y, 2m
Djokovic: 19y, 4m
— TENNIS (@Tennis) April 2, 2022

Carlos Alcaraz is just a win away from scripting history in Miami

Alcaraz has already broken multiple records with his stellar run in Miami, but more history beckons the teenager. If he wins the title clash in Miami, he is all set to become the youngest champion in the tournament’s 37-year-old history. The last time this record was at threat was when Rafael Nadal reached the finals in 2005 but lost a five-setter to Roger Federer. Now Alcaraz will be looking to emulate his compatriot when he takes on fellow first-time Masters 1000 finalist, Casper Ruud in the title clash.

If Carlos Alcaraz wins Miami, he’ll become the youngest men's champion in 37-year Miami Open history and the 3rd-youngest champion in ATP Masters 1000 series history (Chang, 18y5m, at 1990 Toronto; Nadal, 18y10m, at 2005 Monte Carlo)

Spaniards are 0-8 in Miami Open men's finals.
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) April 2, 2022

Both Alcaraz and Ruud will be playing in the biggest finals of their career so far. Alcaraz will be vying to become the youngest champion in Miami, whereas Ruud will be looking to become the first Norwegian to win a Masters 1000 title. Irrespective of the result, it promises to be a thrilling clash as the young guns battle for their maiden Masters crown.