Umag, Croatia: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest player in 13 years to reach an ATP final when he defeated compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the semi-finals of the Umag claycourt tournament on Saturday.
The 18-year-old Alcaraz defeated the top seed 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) and will face French veteran Richard Gasquet, 17 years his senior, for the title on Sunday.
World number 73 Alcaraz is the youngest man to reach a tour final since 2008 when Kei Nishikori made the Delray Beach championship match when he was also 18.
Utterly awesome in Umag 🔥
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 24, 2021
The moment @alcarazcarlos03 defeated Ramos-Vinolas 6-2 7-6 to reach his maiden ATP final at @CroatiaOpenUmag! pic.twitter.com/g9LpDoSr06
Gasquet, 35, reached his first final in three years when he defeated German qualifier Daniel Altmaier 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 6-3 after three hours and 11 minutes on court.
Fourth seed Gasquet, whose last final appearance was at Bastad in 2018, will be seeking a 16th career title on Sunday.