Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud – Men's Final – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Miami Open
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THE FACTS
When is Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud on and what time does it start? Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud will take place on Sunday 3rd April, 2022 – not before 18:00 (UK)
Where is Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud taking place? Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA
What surface is Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud being played on? Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud
What channel is Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud on in the UK? Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud will be televised live on the Amazon Prime app on Smart TVs
Where can I stream Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Carlos Alcaraz vs Casper Ruud live on Prime Video, while Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
CARLOS ALCARAZ
18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz is through to a first Masters final after beating the defending Miami Open champion Hubert Hurkacz in two tight tiebreaks. The Spaniard will set a new career-high ATP world ranking of at least 12th no matter the outcome here but he could rise as high as 11th if he wins the title on Sunday. Alcaraz has gone one better than his searing performance at Indian Wells, where he lost in three sets to his idol Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals. The current world number 16 owns two ATP titles, both on clay, most recently winning the Rio Open in February.
CASPER RUUD
23-year-old Casper Ruud is also through to a first Masters final after ousting an inspired Francisco Cerundolo in comfortable straight sets. The Norwegian will set a new career-high ATP world ranking of seventh no matter the outcome of this final, usurping Andrey Rublev for the first time. Ruud won the seventh ATP title of his blossoming career at February’s Buenos Aires Open for a sixth on clay overall, with last season’s San Diego Open his only hardcourt title to date. The current world number eight has thrice been a Masters semi-finalist on clay at the 2020 Italian Open and last season’s Monte-Carlo Open and Madrid Open.
THE PREDICTION
It is no surprise to see 18-year-old prodigy Carlos Alcaraz in the Miami Open final without Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic to run into as the Spaniard is truly playing top four tennis right now. Alcaraz’ second win over world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas in the round of 16 here is proof enough of that but recent results over Matteo Berrettini and Hubert Hurkacz put him firmly inside the perennial title-contenders’ pot alongside Djokovic, Nadal, Daniil Medvedev and perhaps Alexander Zverev. World number eight Casper Ruud is more of a shock finalist here but not for trying, with three previous semi-final exits on clay over the last two seasons displaying his top ability if on the softer surface. The Norwegian’s victory over Alexander Zverev is the highest-ranking result between the two finalists and he must not be underestimated, particularly as he has won seven of his nine finals to date.
Alcaraz, however, has won both of his and he also leads this head-to-head 1-0 after ousting Ruud on clay at last season’s Andalucia Open. The teenager is a future world number one, multiple Grand Slam and Masters champion in the making and he can be backed to take a first step towards greatness here. Back Alcaraz to win outright, although it should come in straight sets.
