Can Stefanos Tsitsipas stop Carlos Alcaraz at Barcelona Open

Can Stefanos Tsitsipas stop Carlos Alcaraz at Barcelona Open – Carlos Alcaraz is on a mission to become the first repeat champion at the Barcelona Open since Rafael Nadal’s three-year reign from 2016 to 2018. The 19-year-old Spaniard has been in exceptional form this season, boasting a 22-2 win-loss record and two titles under his belt. Alcaraz has been particularly impressive on clay, winning the Buenos Aires Open in February and the prestigious Indian Wells Masters in March.

In the semifinals of the Barcelona Open, Alcaraz faced Britain’s Dan Evans, who had previously defeated the tournament’s top seed, Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, Alcaraz proved too strong for Evans, winning 6-2, 6-2 in just 81 minutes. The young Spaniard was in complete control of the match, converting five of his seven break points and not dropping a single set in the tournament so far.

Speaking after his victory, Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead in the final against Tsitsipas. The Greek player has been a finalist at the Barcelona Open twice before, losing to Nadal on both occasions. However, Alcaraz is determined to focus on his own game and give his best effort in the final:

“I know Stefanos is playing great matches, and last year we had a spicy match, let’s say. I’m going to try to forget everything that has happened in the matches before, try to focus on my game tomorrow, and try to get the win.”

Alcaraz also spoke about his special connection to the Barcelona Open, a tournament that he has loved since he was a child. He even played for the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona when he was just 11 or 12 years old, making the final even more meaningful for him:

“It’s so special to play a final here in Barcelona, a tournament that I love playing. I came to watch this tournament when I was really young, and I love this club, I love this tournament, and it’s so special to have the chance to lift the trophy here again.”

Watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Barcelona Open Final Live

Stefanos Tsitsipas, meanwhile, had a much tougher route to the final. After defeating Jaume Munar and Felix Auger-Aliassime in the early rounds, Tsitsipas faced Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals. Musetti, a rising star from Italy, pushed Tsitsipas to the limit in a thrilling three-set match. However, Tsitsipas managed to come out on top, winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 in just over two hours.

Despite his past failures in the Barcelona Open final, Tsitsipas remains focused on the task at hand. The world number four is yet to win a title in 2023, and he is eager to end his drought in the Spanish city:

“I’m just trying to give my best effort, and I’m hoping that this year is going to be different. I’m going to give my best, and that’s all I can do.”

The Barcelona Open has a rich history, dating back to 1953. Over the years, the tournament has featured many of the greatest players in tennis history, including Nadal, Bjorn Borg, and Ilie Nastase. Nadal, in particular, has been a dominant force at the Barcelona Open, winning a record 11 titles.

This year’s final between Alcaraz and Tsitsipas promises to be a thrilling encounter, as two of the most exciting young players in the game battle for the prestigious title. The Barcelona Open has always been a special tournament, and the 2023 edition looks set to continue that tradition.