Editor’s Note: This story was translated from ATPTour.com/es
Carlos Alcaraz tirelessly rewrites the annals of professional tennis. On Saturday, the native of Murcia reached the final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, once again underlining his status as the most feared player on the ATP Tour. With a smile on his face after a job well done, the Spaniard found another way to engrave his name in the history books.
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Alcaraz is the 18th man to reach singles finals in Indian Wells and Miami, demonstrating his ability to adapt to two of the calendar’s most iconic events. After winning his first ATP Masters 1000 trophy last year in South Florida – becoming the youngest winner in tournament history and the third-youngest overall champion in the prestigious category – the Spaniard will look to add to his growing trophy collection. when he takes on Daniil Medvedev in the Southern California final on Sunday.
Players to reach singles finals in Indian Wells and Miami
This feat is even rarer than reaching world No. 1, with the Miami event first contested in 1985. Since the Pepperstone ATP rankings began in 1973, a total of 28 players have managed to reach its peaked in singles, while only 18 reached the finals in Indian Wells and Miami.
It’s a list filled with legends, including every member of the Big Four and many of the greats of the 1980s and 1990s, who are now joined by the latest male professional tennis superstar. It’s yet another historic feat to add to a career that is progressing at breakneck speed.
Alcaraz, who reached the milestone of his 100th round-level win this week, will look to cap off a magical week in the desert when he takes on Medvedev, the only current Top 10 player he has yet to defeat among those he played. (excludes Fritz, Rublev).
Did you know?
Carlos Alcaraz is trying to become the youngest player in history to complete the “Sunshine Double” career, winning the Indian Wells and Miami ATP Masters 1000 titles before turning 20. The Murcia man would break the records set by Michael Chang, Jim Courier and Novak Djokovic, who all completed the set at the age of 20.