World No. 2, Carlos Alcaraz demonstrated his prowess on the clay court docket by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas with a 6-3, 6-4 victory within the closing of the Barcelona Open on Sunday to safe his third ATP Tour title this yr, bringing his whole variety of profession titles to 9 at simply 19.
Alcaraz, who had an injury-plagued begin to the season and was overwhelmed by Jannik Sinner within the semi-finals of his final match, the Miami Open, gained in Barcelona for the second consecutive yr, taking the title with out shedding a set.
The Spanish teenager beat world quantity 5 and second seed Tsitsipas with the identical ease that he dispatched each different opponent in Barcelona this week.
Alcaraz, who in December grew to become the youngest year-end world primary because the ATP rankings started, was near perfection on Sunday and gave a masterclass as he gained in lower than 80 minutes.
It was Tsitsipas’ fourth consecutive loss to Alcaraz.
“Today I was myself, I was fluid and relaxed. It was the perfect moment to do it and I’m super happy to have delivered it in outstanding fashion,” Alcaraz informed TVE.
“Yesterday, earlier than going to sleep I used to be so tense and wakened at this time very nervous. However, the warm-up helped me to chill out, and I assumed I ought to let my physique circulate and never be tight.
“I wanted to forget about everything else and just be me on the court. I am still surprised to receive such a warm welcome here in my country, as a 19-year-old kid I could not imagine that I would experience what I’m living wherever I go.”
Tsitsipas managed to interrupt Alcaraz within the third recreation, however the Spaniard hit proper again and acquired one other break earlier than closing out the first-set in 38 minutes.
Alcaraz was much more aggressive within the second set as he attacked relentlessly and broke Tsitsipas’ serve within the fifth recreation.
He didn’t give his opponent an opportunity to struggle again and closed out the match with a robust forehand earlier than celebrating with the house followers.
The subsequent step within the Spaniard’s buildup to the French Open would be the Madrid Masters which begins subsequent Thursday.
Source: www.dailysabah.com