Carlos Alcaraz
The summit clash of the Miami Open 2022 will witness teenager Alcaraz take on Norway’s Ruud in the men’s singles final
Casper Ruud has been thoroughly impressive at the Miami Open. The Norwegian has dropped just one set in the event and defeated three seeded players in his journey so far. Ruud defeated 10th seed Cameron Norrie convincingly in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to set up a clash against 2nd seed Alexander Zverev which he went on to win in a comprehensive manner. Ruud is seeded sixth in this ATP 1000 tournament and he has certainly lived up to expectations. The 23-year old decimated Francisco Cerundolo in the semi-finals 6-4, 6-1 to make it to his first-ever ATP 1000 final.
Meanwhile, 18-year old Carlos Alcaraz is in sublime form this year and looks like the player to beat in this ATP-1000 event. Alcaraz defeated Marton Fucsovics 6-3, 6-2 in the opening round followed by a comprehensive 6-4, 6-4 victory against Marin Cilic in the Round of 32. The Spaniard then came out on top in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, defeating the third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets 7-5,
6-3. Alcaraz followed it up with a hard-earned victory in the semi-final against 8th seed Hubert Hurkacz 7-6, 7-6 to stay in contention for a second ATP tour title in 2022.
Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud have played each other only once before in the ATP circuit. On that occasion in 2021, Alcaraz got the better of Casper Ruud with a 6-2, 6-4 win in Marbella. On paper, Casper Ruud (6) goes into the match as the favourite thanks to his higher seeding as compared to Carlos Alcaraz (14).
It promises to be a fascinating encounter with both youngsters going hard at each other and makes it a very difficult match to predict. Given the form Alcaraz is in and the quality of tennis he is playing, we expect the Spaniard to come out on top, winning the final in three sets.
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