Carlos Alcaraz has been in roaring form since his win at the 2022 Rio Open. Following his title win, the Spaniard further reached the semifinals at Indian Wells Masters. The 18-year-old is currently in the semifinals in Miami. He beat Miomir Kecmanovic in an epic encounter in the quarterfinals. Following his scintillating win over the Serb, Alcaraz paid an emotional tribute to Eduardo Ferrero, the late father of his coach.

What did Alacaraz write on the camera lens?

Following his hard-fought win over Miomir, Alcaraz took the marker to perform the winner’s camera lens signing ritual. Even though players usually sign on the lens, that wasn’t the case with Alcaraz. Instead of signing, World No. 16 wrote, “Juanki x Eduardo”. What does it mean?

Carlos Alcaraz is currently being coached by former World No. 1 and 2003 Roland Garros champion Juan Carlos Ferrero. The Spanish icon started working with Alcaraz in September 2018. Three years down the line, the association between the two Spaniards seems to be going strong, with results visible in Alcaraz’s performance.

Like other coaches, Juan also accompanies Alcaraz during his tour matches. After Alcaraz’s incredible run in Indian Wells, the duo headed to Miami. However, unfortunately, the Spanish coach couldn’t accompany Alcaraz for long in the beach city. Reaching Miami, Ferrero soon had to fly back to Spain after learning about the sudden death of his father, Eduardo Ferrero.

The message on the lens was a tribute by Alcaraz to his coach’s father.

"Eduardo: is the father of Alcaraz's coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Ferrero was here in Miami, but left last week when his dad passed away suddenly.
RIP.

— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) April 1, 2022

The epic encounter of Carlos Alcaraz and Miomir Kecmanovic

Both the players reached the quarterfinals, having incredible runs in the previous rounds. On one hand, Miomir had just dropped just one set during his run to the quarterfinals. On the other hand, an in-form Alcaraz had not dropped a single set before entering the quarterfinals.

The first set started with Miomir breaking Alcaraz in his opening service game and taking a 3-0 lead. However, making a comeback, Carlos refused to yield and broke Kecmanovic’s serve to level the set at 4-4. Not willing to give up, both the players held their nerve, taking the opening set into a tie-breaker. Going neck to neck in the tiebreaker, it was Kecmanovic who prevailed, winning the tiebreaker 7-5.

A repeat of the first set was seen in the second set. The only difference? This time it was Alcaraz dominating the set from the get-go. The Spanish prodigy broke Miomir early in the set, taking a 3-0 lead. Dominating Kecmanovic from the baseline, Alcaraz sailed through the set, winning 6-3.

One set all, both the players left no stone unturned in seeking an opportunity to move ahead in the deciding set. However, both the players displaying tremendous shot tolerance, refused to get broken, taking the deciding set into a tie-breaker. Eventually, it was Alcaraz who held his nerve to win the tiebreaker 7-5.

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The Spaniard took 2 hours and 23 minutes to beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6(5). He will now lock horns against the defending champion, Hubert Hurkacz to secure a spot in the final in Miami.