Winning a title as the defending champion always carries a mix of pride and pressure. The truth is that even when the next event follows quickly on the heels of a victory, fatigue can creep in and the nerves can flutter. This described Carlos Alcaraz’s debut at the Miami Masters 1000, stepping onto the court with the Indian Wells trophy still in hand. The aim for the Murcian prodigy remains clear: to improve and grow as a player with every match. Yet the Florida event carried an extra layer of ambition, a chance to return to Europe with another big trophy and to extend a remarkable double, something accomplished by only a handful of players in the history of the sport.
In Miami, the potential prize was not just a title but the opportunity to stay at the pinnacle. Alcaraz needed to win to maintain his lead at the top of the rankings, giving him compelling reasons to deliver his best tennis in this sun-soaked tournament.
Without giving your opponent options
Charly defends the title in a tournament he loves, and he opened his campaign with a display intended to set the tone. The first match was wrapped up efficiently, finishing in 64 minutes as Alcaraz launched the Sunshine Double in style by defeating Facundo Bagnis with a commanding scoreline of 6-0, 6-2. The victory was celebrated in real time by fans and broadcasters alike, signaling his intent to chase back-to-back success in these marquee events.
The matchup featured a known opponent who had previously offered resilience on quicker courts. Alcaraz took control from the start, moving with purpose on the fast track that Miami provides. The performance highlighted his ability to blend aggressive serving with incisive groundstrokes, leaving little room for Bagnis to construct a viable counterpunch.
Concentrate to the maximum
Despite a moment of resistance, Alcaraz maintained focus throughout the clash. His weaponry was on full display, with drop shots that kept his opponent guessing, sharp serves, and right-handed power that underlined his status as one of the most dangerous players on tour. Early in the match, the Spaniard earned the first break and soon captured the opening set in quick fashion.
The second set brought a different dynamic as Bagnis sought rhythm and momentum, gaining a foothold and challenging the young star with more resolute play. He managed to break serve in the fourth game, briefly raising the stakes. Yet Alcaraz steadied his nerves and recalibrated, closing out the match just after an hour and four minutes on court. The victory reinforced his confidence and his intent to extend his impressive Florida run.
Bautista eliminated and Zapata injured
Meanwhile, the day’s outcomes shifted the draw in intriguing ways. Roberto Bautista Agut bid farewell as he fell to Emil Ruusuvuori in a tight straight-set display, while Roberto Carballés Baena delivered a convincing performance against a fellow Spaniard in a different early-round encounter. The tournament also absorbed a discouraging note, as Bernabé Zapata Miralles exited due to injury, altering the dynamics of the Spaniard contingent.