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Tennis world erupts over Carlos Alcaraz act after 'terrible' moment

Carlos Alcaraz, pictured here being applauded by Hubert Hurkacz after the classy gesture.
Carlos Alcaraz was applauded by Hubert Hurkacz after the classy gesture. Image: Tennis TV

Carlos Alzaraz has won widespread praise in the tennis world after a classy moment of sportsmanship in his semi-final clash with Hubert Hurkacz at the Miami Open.

Alcaraz and Hurkacz were locked in a tense battle in the first set of their crunch clash on Friday, with a spot in the final on the line.

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With the opening set in a tiebreaker, Alzaraz displayed his sportsmanship and class with a brilliant gesture for his opponent.

Chair umpire Fergus Murphy awarded Alcaraz a point when he deemed Hurkacz hadn't hit the ball before the second bounce following a drop shot from the Spanish teen.

Hurkacz was left exasperated by the call, with replays showing he had actually got to the ball in time.

Alcaraz also knew his opponent had been wronged, and even though he probably would have won the point anyway, he asked Murphy to replay it.

Hurkacz applauded Alcaraz for the classy gesture, as did commentators and fans on social media.

The 18-year-old won the point after it was replayed and went on to win the set 7-5 in the breaker.

He then advanced to the first ATP 1000 final of his blossoming career, completing the 7-6 (5) 7-6 (2) victory in a second tiebreaker.

Alcaraz, who is a month away from turning 19, is the second-youngest Miami Open finalist ever.

Rafael Nadal was about a month younger when he made the Miami final in 2004, losing a five-setter against Roger Federer.

Alcaraz had earlier advanced to his second ATP 1000 semi-final with a thrilling 6-7 (5) 6-3 7-6 (5) victory over Miomir Kecmanovic on Thursday.

World No.10 Hurkacz triumphed 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 over Daniil Medvedev, who missed his chance to reclaim the World No.1 ranking from Novak Djokovic.

Carlos Alcaraz, pictured here in action against Hubert Hurkacz at the Miami Open.
Carlos Alcaraz in action against Hubert Hurkacz at the Miami Open. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Casper Ruud advances to Miami Open final

Earlier, Casper Ruud booked his place in his first Masters 1000 final with a comfortable win over Francisco Cerundolo in the other semi.

The rising Norwegian needed one hour and 34 minutes to wrap up a 6-4 6-1 win on Friday which moves him one more win from a second tour title of the season.

The World No.8 had bounced into the last four on the back of a three-set win over Alexander Zverev, and was not unduly troubled by the World No.103.

The Argentinian's progress to the last four on his Masters 1000 debut had been assisted by the respective retirements of Reilly Opelka and Jannik Sinner early in their matches due to injury.

Casper Ruud, pictured here after his win over Francisco Cerundolo at the Miami Open.
Casper Ruud celebrates his win over Francisco Cerundolo at the Miami Open. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Ruud fended off four break points early in the second set and after holding serve to love for a 4-1 lead was able to cruise to the finish.

"It was quite a tough match even though the scoreline said two straight sets," said Ruud, whose father was also a tennis pro.

"It was a physical match. The conditions here were very, very humid today.

"I was lucky I was able to pull through and didn't need to play a third set."

Ruud is through to his first Masters 1000 final after three semi-final defeats at the level.

"I didn't expect that if I ever made a Masters 1000 final, it would be here in Miami but I'll take it," said Ruud, who sealed the win with an ace.

with agencies

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