Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest ATP 500 titlist

RIO DE JANEIRO: Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz made history, becoming the youngest ATP 500 titlist since the category was created in 2009, defeating third-seeded Diego Schwartzman of Argentina 6-4, 6-2 on Monday (IST). The 18-year-old Spaniard won 76 percent of his first serves and converted five of six break points to prevail in one hour and 27 minutes at the Jockey Club Brasileiro. Alcaraz had won his first ATP Tour match as a 16-year-old at the Rio Open two years back. It is the second tour-level title in the teenager's career following his breakthrough in Umag last year.

"I can't believe it, honestly. It has been a great week for me playing a great level," Alcaraz was quoted as saying by atptour.com. "First tournament on clay since a long time, so I'm really happy with the performance during the whole week. It's an amazing feeling right now."

When the Spaniard had stunned Albert Ramos-Vinolas in Rio two years ago, he was No. 406 in the Rankings but with the title triumph, the teen is expected to move into the ATP top-20 for the first time. IANS

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