Alcaraz tops Ruud to clinch first ATP Masters title in Miami

Just as widely predicted, Spanish 14th seed Carlos Alcaraz secured his first ATP Masters 1000 crown in Miami on Sunday, beating World No. 8 Norwegian Casper Ruud.

The victory capped a dream run for the Spanish teenager, who dropped only one set on the way to the championship.

He beat Ruud, a familiar foe 7-5 6-4.

Alcaraz was roughed up by Ruud in the early stages of the match between the two up-and-coming players.

But he roared back from a 4-1 deficit to take the opener with an overhead smash on his third set point.

From there, the 18-year-old Spaniard refused to relinquish control as he broke Ruud twice to jump ahead 3-0 in the second set.

He went on to became the youngest champion in the 37-year-old tournament’s history when he coolly served out the match to love in the final game.

The victory marked Alcaraz’s third ATP Tour title.

He won at the Rio Open in February.

His win at Umag last July made him the youngest tour-level champion since Kei Nishikori won at Delray Beach in 2008.