Number one seed Carlos Alcaraz defeated number two seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 on Sunday to win the Barcelona Open, becoming the first player since Rafael Nadal to successfully retain the title.
With five consecutive straight-set victories to his name, the 19-year-old player has won 10 of his 11 matches at his home tournament throughout his career. This is also the first time in the Spaniard’s career that he has successfully completed a title defense.
“It’s incredible to feel this energy, to lift the trophy here in Barcelona in front of all my people,” Alcaraz stated. “My family and my friends are here as well. To lift the trophy here in front of all of them is a great feeling.”
Ranked second in the ATP World Rankings, Alcaraz has won 23 of his 25 matches this year, picking up titles at Indian Wells and Buenos Aires in addition to Barcelona.
Alcaraz will now be looking to the Madrid Open, where he is set to yet again attempt to defend his title.
