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After Barcelona, Madrid! King at home, Carlos Alcaraz has retained his title at the Spanish Masters 1000 on clay. Hustled by the surprise qualifier, Jan-Lennard Struff, the kid showed character to win in three sets (6-4, 3-6, 6-3) and nearly 2h30 of play. It’s Alcaraz’ fourth title in 2023, also the fourth Masters 1000 title in his young career.
Alcaraz achieves a double-double! After retaining his title in Barcelona two weeks ago, the world number two repeated the feat in Madrid, defeating lucky loser Jan-Lennard Struff in three sets (6-4, 3-6, 6-3). The Spaniard struggled for a long time in the Caja Magica, disturbed by the German’s aggressiveness and simple but effective game plan. But the Murcian managed to break free after taking his opponent’s serve in the third set to win a fourth title this season and a fourth Masters 1000 in as many finals played.
Back on the heels of Novak Djokovic on Monday, he only needs to play one match at the Masters 1000 in Rome next week to be assured of reclaiming the throne of world tennis after the Italian tournament. He didn’t play in Rome a year ago, when Djokovic won there. “I’m an ambitious boy, and I’m going to Rome,”
Feliciano Lopez :
“It seems like there is always something going on when Carlos Alcaraz plays, what else does he bring to a court?
It’s not often that you see someone so young with this kind of energy and who can connect with the public. It’s a blessing for tennis to have this player who, at only 20 years old (as of May 5), has already won a Grand Slam and been No. 1 (the youngest in history, at 19 years and 4 months, after his victory at the 2022 US Open). Because we’re at a pivotal moment with (Roger) Federer gone, (Rafael) Nadal, who we don’t know yet how long he’s going to play, and Novak (Djokovic) who’s 35 (he’ll be 36 on May 22). It’s even more important to have someone like Carlos right now.”
