By reaching the Croatia Open finals, Carlos Alcaraz Garfia has created history in Umag – he has become the youngest player to reach an ATP final since 2008. He beat his fellow countryman, Albert Ramos Vinolas, in the semifinals and is set to face Richard Gasquet in the finals.

Carlos, 18, has made it to the finals for the first time in his professional career; he turned pro in 2018 when he was 15.

Carlos Alcaraz Garfia brushes past countryman to make history in Umag

Carlos generated the upset of the tournament after beating number one seed, Albert Ramos Vilonas, 6-2, 7-6. He played some top shots and maintained his rhythm on court in order to produce the result.

He will be facing Richard Gasquet in the final, as the number four seed looks to win his first title in 2021. And given the age difference between the two, Alcaraz has a chance to generate another upset at the tournament.

Creating history after 13 years

The World No.73 became the youngest player since Kei Nishikori to reach the finals of an ATP event; Nishikori did so in 2008 at the Delray Beach Championship, at 18 years old and 43 days old.

The Japanese veteran also went on to win the title that year, winning his maiden title. By defeating James Blake 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the finals, Nishikori became the first Japanese to win an ATP event in the 2000s.

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Carlos is set to face Richard in the finals on July 25, Sunday, and it will be a dream for him to follow Nishikori’s footsteps and make a mark in the tennis world.

Can he repeat Kei’s feat at Delray Beach Championships?

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