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Wind-blown world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz ended his battle with Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut to defend his title at the Barcelona Open this week.
Alcaraz was out after losing in the semifinals of the Miami Open when he was trying to complete the Sunshine Doubles.
He didn’t look off the pace, but traded several breaks with Bautista Agut in blowout situations.
«Today was tough. The conditions, they weren’t easy,» Alcaraz said of the tough conditions that combined to eight service breaks.
“I really had to adapt my game to the wind. It was very difficult. Roberto is a very good player, a strong player. I always had to stay focused, always be there and try to take advantage of my opportunities.
Alcaraz improved to 9-1 last year with his only loss coming against compatriot Rafael Nadal in the Indian Wells semifinals.
Alcaraz is attempting to become the first repeat champion at the ATP 500 Barcelona Open after reigning the Spanish major for which the center court is named from 2016 to 2018. Although the stadium around the pista Rafa Nadal seems to be a little less than the protection of the team elements, the players of Alcaraz have a strong game suitable for all kinds of situations.
He will meet fellow Spaniard 10th seed Alejandro Davidovic Fokina in Friday’s quarter-finals.
After falling behind early in the first game 2-3, Alcaraz responded by winning 6 unanswered games to take control of the game.
Alcraz hit a no-doubt match ball to take the third and final point of the first set, then slipped back in desperation and slipped the surprised Bautista Agut, who thought he had won the point in a furious fight.
“He was lucky. Honestly, I didn’t expect to make that shot,” Alcaraz said of the incredible tennis magic in Barcelona.
«I closed my eyes [swung] Racket. It was a lot of luck that I made that shot. Something like this is very special. «
Despite being broken twice in the second set, Alcaraz once again pushed to the finish line to take the final 11 points in a 4-5, 15/15 Barcelona Open battle.
Read more: Is Carlos Alcaraz a clay court specialist or an all-court player? There is a comment by Patrick Moratoglou.
He won 5 out of 10 times after breaking serve in one hour and 53 minutes; Bautista Agut suffered an injury on the return with three stops on seven shots.
Alcaraz denied Bautista Agut his first top 10 win on clay, ending his third quarter-final appearance in Barcelona (2015, 2018). The Spanish journeyman was the oldest player in the last 16 at the young age of 35.
