Ruud and Alcaraz reach Miami Open Final

Carlos Alcaraz is one win away from creating Miami Open history after defeating defending champion Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets to book a final date on Sunday with Norway’s Casper Ruud.

The 18-year-old Spanish sensation brought the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium to their feet for the second night in succession following his dramatic quarter-final win over Miomir Kecmanovic on Thursday night as he saw off 10th-ranked Hurkacz of Poland 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/2) to reach his first ATP Masters final.

If he triumphs this weekend, Alcaraz, who made the last four in Indian Wells earlier this month, will become the youngest champion in the tournament’s 37-year history.

Only two men have won titles at this level at a younger age — Michael Chang (1990, Toronto) and Rafael Nadal (2005, Monte Carlo) were both 18 on their first triumphs.

Alcaraz turns 19 next month.

Hurkacz, who has the doubles final on Saturday to help soften the blow of this painful defeat, fought until the end, but the quality of Alcaraz's groundstrokes and movement was ultimately the difference.

Hurkacz served superbly to force a second set tie-break as the slow conditions suited both players but especially Alcaraz, who learned his trade on Spanish clay courts like his world famous compatriot and boyhood idol, Nadal.

On this evidence, Ruud will have his work cut out to stop the dynamic world number 16 in his tracks.

"He has played well here and was the defending champion but I played a really good game from my side," said a delighted Alcaraz during a courtside interview after completing the win in just over two hours.

"This will be my first big final on a hard court but I have confidence and I am going to enjoy it."

- Norwegian first - World number eight Ruud, meanwhile, is the