CARLOS ALCARAZ will bid to become the youngest Miami Open champion in history during Sunday’s final.
Juan Carlos Ferrero surprised Carlos Alcaraz ahead of his Miami Open final
Juan Carlos Ferrero surprised Carlos Alcaraz ahead of his Miami Open final (Image: Instagram @juankiferri / Getty)
Carlos Alcaraz’s coach surprised the 18-year-old in emotional scenes ahead of his Miami Open final. The Spaniard became the second-youngest ATP finalist in the tournament’s history behind Rafael Nadal back in 2005. Juan Carlos Ferrero did not join his charge in Miami after his father died but arrived at the tournament on Sunday hours before the final.
Djokovic and Nadal warned about world No 1 spot by Carlos Alcaraz
Nadal ‘lost respect’ of Alcaraz with teen gunning for clay clash
Alcaraz is the second-youngest man to ever reach the Miami Open final after Nadal, who was around a month younger than the world No 16 when he achieved the feat back in 2005. And he is gunning to become the youngest champion by defeating fellow first-time Masters finalist Casper Ruud in Sunday’s championship match.
The 18-year-old has impressed this week, defeating the likes of defending champion Hubert Hurkacz and third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas to make the final. And his run has been all the more impressive in the absence of his coach, former world No 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, who was unable to travel to Miami after his father Eduardo suddenly passed away last week.
Alcaraz had already shared an emotional tribute to Ferrero and his father earlier in the week, writing “For you Juanki. This win is yours,” on the camera after his quarter-final win over Miomir Kecmanovic. Ferrero himself has now made a touching gesture towards his young protegee, surprising him by flying in hours before his maiden Masters final.
JUST IN: Barty wins £17 golf tournament prize money after retiring from tennis
Carlos Alcaraz wrote a touching tribute to Ferrero and his late father after his quarter-final win
Carlos Alcaraz wrote a touching tribute to Ferrero and his late father after his quarter-final win (Image: Tennis TV)
The 2003 French Open champion had wanted to surprise Alcaraz and in an emotional video, can be seen bursting into the teenager’s hotel room where Alcaraz is sat quietly with frendly and family, embracing him in a brotherly hug after arrivin in Florida for the final.
