Carlos Alcaraz climbs up the rankings and bags another trophy under his belt

On Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz won the BNP Paribas Open for the first time, capping a commanding run that may have been the most unfair of the competition with a stunning 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Daniil Medvedev. The 19-year-old Spaniard, who went undefeated in six matches at Indian Wells, will reclaim the top spot in the world in Monday’s Pepperstone ATP Rankings thanks to his championship win.

Alcaraz is the ninth and youngest person to have won both legs of the Sunshine Double in his career, Indian Wells and Miami. He is currently a three-time ATP Masters 1000 champion and the current champion in Miami and Madrid. He joins fellow countryman Rafael Nadal as the just two athletes to have captured at least three Masters 1000 titles while still a teenager, with Nadal having accomplished this feat six times before turning 20.

What did Alcaraz say after his magnificent victory in the final?

After finishing the final in a record one hour and ten minutes, he spoke to the media and said, “It means a lot to me. To recover the No. 1 [ranking] is crazy for me. But especially to lift the trophy here for me means a lot… I love this tournament. I really enjoy my time here and of course, I felt the love from the people from day one. For me, it’s amazing to complete these 10 days like this.”

As Alcaraz masterfully managed the windy desert conditions, Medvedev’s 19-match and three-tournament unbeaten run came to an end. The top seed’s patient but hostile game plan paid off with an early break in both sets. After sprinting to a 3-0 advantage in the opening set, Alcaraz grabbed the first 10 points of the next on the way to a 4-0 advantage.

In an all-action win, Alcaraz out-hit Medvedev 18 to 5, scoring 10 of the 13 net points. Reaping the benefits of his opponent’s far-court position, the Spaniard frequently had success with his famous drop shot.

Alcaraz completed the statement win without encountering a break point to reassert his position at the top of the men’s game. Alcaraz needs to defend his Miami title over the next two weeks in order to maintain his place leading the Pepperstone ATP Rankings and complete the Sunshine Double for the calendar year.