Carlos Alcaraz overpowers Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim Barcelona back-to-back
Carlos Alcaraz has claimed the Barcelona Open title for the second year running after efficiently putting away Stefanos Tsitsipas in the championship match.
Tsitsipas had defeated Denis Shapovalov, Alex de Minaur and Lorenzo Musetti en route to his third final in Barcelona but was once again denied a title in Catalunya.
Alcaraz was the picture of composure as he came up with all the answers to the questions posed by Tsitsipas.
“Me and my team were talking before the match about staying relaxed,” said Alcaraz.
“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 racquet and the final.”
Alcaraz was clinical on serve against the incredible shotmaking of Tsitisipas.
The Spaniard claimed 81 per cent (30/37) of points behind his first serve, and goes on to another title defence at the Madrid Open.
The Barcelona Open holds a special place in Carlos Alcaraz’s heart as an event he attended as a child.
“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.”
Alcaraz moves up to third on the ATP Race To Turin ahead of Jannik Sinner.
The local favourite was unstoppable on Pista Rafa Nadal, where he blended aggressive ball-striking and precise drop shots with outstanding defense to capture his seventh tour-level title.
Despite dropping service in the third game of the match, Alcaraz showed no signs of jitters in front of his local crowd as he cruised to a 79-minute victory over World No. 5 Tsitsipas.
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Alcaraz now boasts a 4-0 ATP head-to-head record versus Tsitsipas, who was competing in his third championship match in Barcelona. After successfully defending his title, the 19-year-old is currently 10-1 in Barcelona and has won his last 14 ATP Tour matches on Spanish soil.
After Tsitsipas broke for a 2-1 lead early in the match, Alcaraz won five of the next six games to claim the sixth all-Top 10 ATP Tour final of the year.
He proceeded to wow the home audience with some incredible shotmaking into the second set, and a single break in the fifth game was enough to capture the title despite not having dropped a set all week.
