Alcaraz wins another instant classic over Kecmanovic in Miami quarter-finals

Carlos Alcaraz outlasts Miomir Kecmanovic in a three-set thriller at the Miami Masters on Thursday. Alcaraz advances to a semi-final showdown against defending champion Hubert Hurkacz.

Carlos Alcaraz, Miami 2022 © AI / Reuters / Panoramic

Ricky Dimon

April 1, 2022

Miami Open 2022: Men’s Singles Draw | Results | Order of Play

Carlos Alcaraz is on another level at the Miami Open.

Two days after turning in an unbelievable performance against Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alcaraz outlasted Miomir Kecmanovic 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6(5) in what was by far the best match of the tournament so far — and perhaps the best match on the ATP Tour since the Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. The 18-year-old trailed by a set and also found himself two points from defeat multiple times in the decider, but he battled to victory after two hours and 23 minutes.

HARD ROCK CARLOS 🎸

@alcarazcarlos03 soloes to a breathtaking 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) victory over Kecmanovic to reach back-to-back semi-finals in Indian Wells & Miami!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/cghaH1nKqn
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 1, 2022

Kecmanovic so close to victory

Alcaraz has now reached the semi-finals in both Indian Wells and Miami, but don’t forget that Kecmanovic advanced to the quarters of each event. The 22-year-old Serb’s incredible level had his opponent on the ropes, especially toward the end of the third set. Alcaraz faced a 15-30 deficit serving at 4-5 and eventually trailed 3-5 in the tiebreaker. On both occasions, however, the Spaniard was too good and too clutch.

After coming from behind to earn match point at 6-5, Alcaraz converted it with a dramatic backhand pass near the net.

I think that I’m playing in Spain.
Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz and Kecmanovic gave the fans exactly what they wanted — a three-set thriller of extremely high quality. In return, the fans game their player an incredible level of support and enthusiasm.

“I think the atmosphere that I lived today and this match was unbelievable,” Alcaraz commented. “I think (it was) the best atmosphere that I have lived on these courts, for sure. It was amazing. I enjoyed the match even if it was (a) really close and tough match.

“I think that I’m playing in Spain. It’s unbelievable. I mean, the energy that they push to me — it was crazy. And, yeah, I think without them it would not be possible to get into the semi-final.”

In that semi-final on Friday, Alcaraz will go up against defending champion Hubert Hurkacz. The 10th-ranked Pole upset top seed Daniil Medvedev in the quarters and he is also through to the doubles final with John Isner.