Carlos Alcaraz beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a straight set 6-3 6-4 to defend the Barcelona Open title, the first time he has defended a title in his career. With this win, the 19-year-old Spaniard has three ATP Tour titles this year and ninth overall. He won in Barcelona for the second consecutive year, taking the title without losing a set. Follow this story and more at 12BETInfo!
“It is incredible,” Alcaraz said. “To feel this energy and lift the trophy in Barcelona in front of my family and friends, and most members of my team are here as well. Playing this level and to lift the trophy in front of them is a good feeling for me.” He is now 10-1 in Barcelona following this win and has won his last 14 tour matches on Spanish soil. Don’t forget to claim our gift when you confirm an account with 12BET!
Despite dropping service in the third game of the match, the World No. 2 showed no signs of jitters in front of his local crowd as he cruised to a 79-minute victory over World No. 5 Tsitsipas. He gave a masterclass as he won in less than 80 minutes. He is now being eyed to be the favorite for the French Open, which runs from May 28 to June 11.
In December, Alcaraz became the youngest year-end world number one since the ATP rankings began before being plagued with injury at the start to the season and was beaten by Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Miami Open, his last tournament prior to this comeback. He also became the first player since his compatriot Rafael Nadal to repeat a win in Barcelona.
“Me and my team were talking before the match about staying relaxed,” Alcaraz added. “To want to play the tough moments. Staying relaxed is the most important part for me. To forget the mistakes, everything, and be myself on court. Not to think about all the people watching, but just me, the court, the racket and the final.” Alcaraz will now try to defend his title at the upcoming Madrid Open.
“I had the opportunity to see you a few years ago for the first time, I saw you play a little bit,” Tsitsipas said of Alcaraz. “Some of us guys who were on the tour a little bit earlier than you, I think most of us were fascinated by your tennis … we see you as an example even though we are slightly older than you. We see your achievements as something that will hopefully push us to to do better.”
The Greek, who was the runner-up of the Australian Open earlier this year, was eyeing to win his first title in Barcelona after twice losing the final to Nadal in 2018 and 2021. He was looking for his first title of the year, and 10th of his career. He is currently 21-5 for the season.
Elsewhere, Holger Rune defended his BMW Open title in Munich, while Dusan Lajovic backed up his win over world No. 1 Djokovic by winning against Monte Carlo champion Andrey Rublev 6-3 4-6 6-4 in the final of the Srpska Open in Banja Luka.