Top seed Carlos Alcaraz has broken new ground yet again in his blossoming career after he defended an ATP Tour title for the first time at the Barcelona Open.
The world No.2 toppled Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4, to record his sixth win over a top 10 player on the clay and his 16th overall. He is the first teenager to win back-to-back Barcelona Open trophies since Rafael Nadal 17 years ago and now leads Tsitsipas 4-0 in their head-to-head.
Alcaraz’s latest victory saw him produce a total of 27 winners against seven unforced errors as he broke his rival three times. It is the third title the 19-year-old has won this season after Buenos Aires and Indian Wells.
“It’s incredible to feel this energy,” Alcaraz told TennisTV afterwards. “To lift the trophy here in Barcelona in front of all my people. My family and friends are here, as well as most of my team. To lift the trophy in front of all of them is a great feeling for me.”
Seeking his 15th consecutive Tour match win on Spanish territory, Alcaraz was tested early on by Tsitsipas who broke him just three games into the final after he blasted a backhand shot into the net. The blip spurred the top seed on who broke back immediately in the following game before producing a mixture of heavy-hitting alongside some carefully placed drop shots to dictate the rallies. It was one of these drop shots which set him up with a chance to break for the second time later in the set and extend his lead to 5-3. He converted the break with a forehand volley which prompted Alcaraz to celebrate with a fist pump. In pole position, he sealed the 6-3 lead by firing a serve out wide that his opponent returned into the net.
The intensity of the reigning US Open champion continued to frustrate and overwhelm Tsitsipas in the second frame. Tied at 2-2, Alcaraz struck once more with the help of a backhand shank from across the court to break. Storming to a game away from his ninth Tour triumph, he clinched his first Championship point by firing a forehand down the line. On the next point, he sealed victory with another forehand winner before letting out an almighty roar of sheer delight.
“I was talking to my team before the match. Just staying relaxed was the most important part for me and forget everything else. Just be me on the court and try to not think about all the people who are watching.” Alcaraz later explained about his approach to the final.
Sunday’s final has highlighted some unwanted reminders for world No.5 Tsitsipas who is now 0-10 when it comes to playing in the final of ATP 500 events. Furthermore, he has only beaten a top 10 player in a title match twice out of 16 attempts. Tsitsipas hasn’t won a trophy of any kind since Mallorca last June.
“Carlos, sharing is caring. Jokes aside, congrats again,” said Tsitsipas who was also runner-up in Barcelona on two previous occasions.
“I had the opportunity to see you a few years ago for the very first time when you got introduced on the ATP Tour. I think most of us were fascinated with your tennis.’
“I want to congratulate you on this amazing build-up you have been doing the past few years. It’s fair enough to say that we (ATP players) see you as an example as something that will hopefully push us to do better.”
Alcaraz will next head to the Madrid Open where he is also the reigning champion.
