Carlos Alcaraz secured the ninth title of his career as he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in the final of the Barcelona Open. Alcaraz, 19, broke Tsitsipas three times as he improved his head-to-head record to 4-0 against the Greek. It is the first time Alcaraz has defended a title in his career. Elsewhere, Holger Rune saved four championship points to defend his BMW Open title in Munich.
Carlos Alcaraz won the Barcelona Open for the second year in a row after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
World No. 2 Alcaraz prevailed 6-3 6-4 to secure the first title defence of his career and improve his head-to-head record against Tsitsipas to 4-0.
Tsitsipas was bidding to win the tournament for the first time after losing in two previous finals to Rafael Nadal, but was outdone by Alcaraz’s firepower and skill.
“It is incredible,” said Alcaraz.
“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.
“Me and my team were talking before the match about staying relaxed, 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.”
Alcaraz and Tsitsipas will be among the leading contenders at next week’s Madrid Open, which will be without Novak Djokovic and Nadal due to injury.
Alcaraz, who is 23-2 for the season, will be the defending champion in Madrid.
Tsitsipas made an encouraging start in his bid to beat Alcaraz for the first time as he broke in the third game of the match.
But the world No. 2 hit back straight away to level at 2-2.
Alcaraz then took command, dropping just two points across his next three service games and breaking again to take the set.
The second set featured some impressive shotmaking from both players but it was Alcaraz who got the decisive break in the fifth game to move ahead.
The US Open champion then sealed victory in style with a second successive love hold.
Elsewhere, Holger Rune saved four championship points to defend his BMW Open title in Munich.
Rune, 19, appeared to be bothered by an arm issue as he trailed Botic van de Zandschulp 5-2 in the deciding set.
But he rallied to win 6-4 1-6 7-6(3) and secure the fourth title of his career.
Dusan Lajovic backed up his win over world No. 1 Djokovic by triumphing at the Srpska Open in Banja Luka.
Lajovic overcame Monte Carlo champion Andrey Rublev 6-3 4-6 6-4 in the final, with Djokovic watching on from the stands.
