Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘miracle’ breakthrough is ‘sensational’ for Rafael Nadal, claims Alex Corretja

Carlos Alcaraz’s breakthrough is not only verging on a “miracle” but could also turn out to be “sensational” for Rafael Nadal, according to Discovery tennis expert Alex Corretja. The 18-year-old captured his first Masters title at the Miami Open on Sunday with a straight sets win over Casper Ruud – the latest milestone in his meteoric rise. Ad/> Alcaraz was 141st in the ATP rankings at the start of last season but his triumph in Florida has catapulted him to the brink of the world’s top 10.

TennisSwiatek, Alcaraz soar over Sunshine Double, but who else shone?8 HOURS AGO His lightning progress has fuelled comparisons with fellow Spaniard Nadal, who sits at the top of the men’s game on 21 Grand Slam titles ahead of the clay-court swing. Alcaraz was overwhelmed in their first meeting last year, winning just three games on the Madrid clay, but pushed the 35-year-old into a thrilling decider in their Indian Wells semi-final in March. And after the youngster bounced back from that defeat to lift the trophy on the American east coast – becoming the third-youngster winner of an ATP Masters 1000 event after Michael Chang and Nadal himself – Corretja was enthused about the prospect of seeing his two compatriots drive each other on.

“I think it is just perfect, it is sensational for Rafa because he is the biggest champion that we have ever had,” said two-time French Open finalist and former world No. 2 Corretja. “Now he has a new kid that he knows what is going on in his mind, and Rafa will need to go to the limit to pass him and to beat him.

“This is perfect for him because it will lead Rafa to still improve his game. He will find ways to beat Alcaraz because he played against him in Indian Wells and suffered so much. He knows