Carlos Alcaraz wins first ATP 1000 Masters crown at 18, beating Casper Ruud in Miami Open final

Spanish 14th seed Carlos Alcaraz capped a dream run at the Miami Open, with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Norwegian world number eight Casper Ruud in the final on Sunday, to secure the biggest win of his young career.

The 18-year-old Alcaraz earned his first ATP Masters 1,000 crown and is the first Spanish man to triumph in Miami after eight previous final appearances by his compatriots, including five by Rafael Nadal.

«I have no words to describe how I feel,» Alcaraz said after he replaced Novak Djokovic — aged 19 — as the youngest champion in the 37-year-old tournament's history.

«But it's so special to win my Masters 1,000 here in Miami.»

Alcaraz was roughed up by Ruud in the early stages of the match between the two up-and-coming players but roared back from a 4-1 deficit to take the opener with an overhead smash on his third set point.

From there, the Spaniard refused to relinquish control as he went up a double-break for an early 3-0 lead in the second set where Ruud managed to get one back but, ultimately, had no answer as Alcaraz kept up the pressure in a match that featured two first-time ATP Masters 1,000 finalists.

With victory within his grasp, Alcaraz dropped just two points in his final three service games and coolly served out the one hour, 52 minute match to love in the final game.

The shot-making ability from the Spanish teen was on full display: daring drop shots in tense situations, deft touch at the net when needed, and raw power from the baseline when warranted as he outplayed Ruud.

He was watched by coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who had been away while mourning the death of his father but made it back to Miami in time for the final.

When the match was over, Alcaraz hopped into the stands to give Ferrero his first hug as