Brilliant Alcaraz outplays Tsitsipas to win Barcelona title for second year in a row

Carlos Alcaraz saved his best for last as he outplayed Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 to win the Barecelona Open title for the second year in a row at Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on Sunday.

The 19-year-old Spaniard recovered from an early break down in the first set to record a convincing victory, picking up his ninth career title and third of 2023, cementing his growing status as favourite for this year’s French Open.

“It’s incredible,” Alcaraz said. “A lot of my family and friends are here. It’s incredible to play at this level and win the trophy here in Barcelona.”

Tsitsipas begins well but outplayed

Tsitsipas gave himself hope when he broke for 2-1 in the first set but that was the only chance Alcaraz gave him as he set about unravelling the Greek’s game.

Alcaraz broke back immediately and then again as he wrapped up the first set and one break in the second set was enough for victory in front of his home crowd.

Earlier in the tournament, Alcaraz, ranked No 2, defeated Portuguese Nuno Borges (6-3, 6-1), No 13 seed Roberto Bautista Agut (6-3, 7-5), No 10 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (7-6 (5), 6-4) and No 12 seed Daniel Evans (6-2, 6-2).

Tsitsipas, ranked No 5, defeated Argentinian Pedro Cachin (6-4, 6-2), Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the No 14 seed (6-3, 6-2), Australian Alex De Minaur, the No 8 seed (6-4, 6-2) and Italian Lorenzo Musetti, the No 9 seed (6-4, 5-7, 6-3) in the previous rounds of the Barcelona tournament.