‘It’s Something Special the Way He Plays at His Age’- Hubert Hurkacz Lauds Carlos Alcaraz

Spanish Carlos Alcaraz Garfia made the headlines after competing against Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals of Indian Wells in 2022. Though he could not get past that point, he left his mark in the Miami Open. Polish Hubert Hurkacz was playing his semi-finals to defend his title at the Miami Open 2022. Carlos, however, ended his journey one step ahead. The Polish player talked about playing with the teenager sensation.

Carlos Alcaraz on fire

Carlos has been on top of his game this season and has shown more than a few times how his strong gameplay is assisting him in defeating top-seeded player. He idolises Rafa and has always looked up to him. It might not be long before we see him achieving amazing feats like his idol. He defeated Hurkacz with a score of 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2) in straight sets to move to the finals of the Miami Open 2022. The Polish player could not get past the fiery gameplay of the teenage sensation, Carlos.

Carlos is challenging for Hubert

When asked whether Hubert felt agitated about not beating the 18-year-old player during the match, he said, “No, it’s really incredible how he plays, how he competes. It’s something special the way he plays at this age.” He complimented the player’s resilience on the court and stated, “He’s great player, great competitor. So definitely was very challenging to play against him because he was playing really great tennis”.

DIVE DEEPER: VIDEO: Carlos Alcaraz Shows the True Spirit of Sportsmanship During His Semifinal Clash in Miami; Receives Appreciation From Former World No. 1

Rafael Nadal, too, had complimented the player and had been reminded of his own younger self after watching Carlos play. Like Nadal, Hubert also recognized the future success of Carlos as a tennis player. He said, “He has amazing career in front of him. It’s crazy how good he plays”. 

Norway or Spain?

Alcaraz is bidding to become the third-youngest player to win a title at this level. Michael Chang (1990, Toronto) and Rafael Nadal (2005, Monte Carlo) are the only two players ahead of him. He would now face another first-time finalist in the Miami Open, Casper Ruud, to clinch the title. If the Spanish player wins the title, he would become the youngest champion in the tour’s 37-year-old history. The finals of the Miami Open are going to keep its audience on the edge as both the players are first-timae finalists.

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Who do you think will take the title home?