'He's playing insane' - Hubert Hurkacz praises Carlos Alcaraz who wins admirers with act of sportsmanship at Miami Open

On a day of firsts, Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in a maiden ATP Masters 1000 final following a 7-6(5), 7-6(2) win over defending champion Hubert Hurkacz in the semi-finals of the Miami Open. Earlier in the day, Casper Ruud came through against Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets to book his place in a first Masters 1000 final — and it will be a new name on the trophy following Alcaraz’s gritty win. Ad/> In a match that did not see a break of serve, Alcaraz held his nerve in the two tiebreaks to put himself one win away from being the youngest player to win the event in its 37-year history.

ATP MiamiRuud overcomes 'brutal' weather to beat Cerundolo in Miami Open semi-finals12 HOURS AGO Speaking following the win, the 18-year-old Alcaraz said: “I have a lot of emotions right now. It's something that you dream of when you are a child. «It's really good to be in the final here in Miami.

I love playing here. The crowd is amazing.» The final will be a big occasion for Alcaraz but he will attempt to trick his mind into thinking it is a normal day at work. «I'm going to approach the final like a first round, trying to mask the nerves,» he said.

«I'm going to enjoy it, it's going to be a great final.» She has charisma — Henin backs Swiatek to revel in being world No. 1 Baffled Medvedev denies being nervous in shock loss While fiercely contested, the match was played in excellent spirit and Alcaraz showed tremendous sportsmanship to concede a point when serving at 5-6 following an incorrect call of “not up” from the umpire. /> Despite the disappointment of missing out on the chance to defend the title, Hurkacz was full of praise for his teenage opponent.