Alcaraz To Face Tsitsipas For Barcelona Title
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It should be a good one Sunday for the Barcelona title as Carlos Alcaraz meets Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The defending champion Alcaraz improved to 22-2 on the season with a blowout win over Dan Evans 6-2, 6-2.
“I feel really comfortable playing here in Barcelona and playing well,” Alcaraz told the ATP. “Stefanos as well is playing great matches. Last year we had a spicy match, let’s say. I know he’s a really nice guy off the court, so 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.”
The 19-year-old will bid for a 9th career title in his 12th final. He has never defending a title before.
Tsitsipas was the first into the final with a tough 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 win over Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Tsitsipas is into his third Barcelona final with previous losses to Rafael Nadal in 2018 and 2021.
The Greek finished with five aces, gave away four doubles, was 6 of 11 on break chances, faced 10 break chances. He held two match points in the second with Musetti serving 4-5.
“It was very physical out there,” said Tsitsipas. “We had to cover lots of meters on the court and he had some incredible defensive shots that I really didn’t expect at all. It was such a mental challenge, I had to go out there and fight it all through the determination of a lion, and just out there to do the best I can.
“He’s a very difficult challenge, especially on this court, so it required a little bit more today.”
Tsitsipas is 0-3 against Alcaraz including a loss in Barcelona last year.
“Getting myself out there for another chance, my will is strong and so is my heart,” said Tsitsipas. “I go out there and give it a go and try the best I can.”
Tsitsipas seeks his first Barcelona title, first title of 2023 and 10th of his career. His last came in Spain in Mallorca last year.
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