WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz sees off Dan Evans to reach another Barcelona Open final
Carlos Alcaraz is just one match away from successfully defending his Barcelona Open title.
Alcaraz downed Dan Evans 6-2, 6-2 in quick fashion to book a final against second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Alcaraz sports a 3-0 head-to-head lead over Tsitsipas and comes into the final with high confidence and hunting his third title of the season.
“I feel really comfortable playing here in Barcelona and [I am] playing well,” said Carlos Alcaraz after the match against Evans. “Stefanos as well is playing great matches. Last year we had a spicy match, let’s say. I know he’s a really nice guy off the court, so I’m going to try to forget everything that has happened in the matches before, try to focus on my game tomorrow, and try to get the win.”
Despite tricky conditions prevailing throughout the week, Alcaraz has been tough to match on the clay of Barcelona, which he counts as one of his favourite stops on the tour.
“It’s so special to play a final here in Barcelona, a tournament that I love playing,” said Alcaraz.
“I came to watch this tournament when I was really young and I played for this club when I was 11 or 12. I love this club, I love this tournament, and it’s so special to have the chance to lift the trophy here again.”
Tsitsipas booked his third championship-match appearance at the Barcelona Open earlier when he had to dig deep to secure a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 win against Lorenzo Musetti.
“It was very physical out there,” said Tsitsipas.
“We had to cover lots of metres on the court and he had some incredible defensive shots that I really didn’t expect at all. It was such a mental challenge, I had to go out there and fight it all through [with] the determination of a lion, and just [went] out there to do the best I can.
“He’s a very difficult challenge, especially on this court, so it required a little bit more today.”
Tsitsipas is out to win the championship match in Barcelona for the first time at his third attempt.
“Getting myself out there for another chance [to win the Barcelona title], my will is strong and so is my heart,” said Tsitsipas.
“I go out there and give it a go and try the best I can. Nothing [negative] at all. Just enjoy this.”
