Third title of the year for Alcaraz, beats Carreno Busta in Barcelona blitz

In an all-Spanish final, it was the new sensation that took the trophy

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz Garfia celebrates after winning his semi final match against Australia’s Alex de Minaur (Panoramic)

Carrie Dunn

April 24, 2022

Barcelona Open | Draw | Order of play

What Juan Carlos Ferrero achieved in 2001, his young protege Carlos Alcaraz has equalled – lifting the Barcelona Open title.

Alcaraz did it by beating compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and five minutes.

“It means a lot,” said the 18-year-old, reflecting on his victory. “I’ve watched this tournament since I was a kid. I always wished to play in this tournament and be able to win this tournament. I’m really happy to be part of the Spanish history list!”

Alcaraz might have been expected to be more physically drained than his opponent, having played a semi-final match lasting over three hours on Sunday morning, while Carreno Busta finished off Diego Schwartzman in straight sets.

But he was sharper from the outset, getting the early break and never looking back, taking the first set in 34 minutes, and repeating the feat in the second set. His serve was solid and Carreno Busta had nothing left in the tank after a draining week.

The two Spaniards sat together on a bench ahead of the trophy ceremony, a nice touch after a tough week.

Alcaraz adds the Barcelona title to his trophy cabinet following wins in Rio and Miami already in 2022. This third title means he goes level with Rafael Nadal for most titles won on the ATP Tour so far this year.

This week he also extended his winning record over Stefanos Tsitsipas to three matches – and tomorrow he will be confirmed as the newest member of the ATP Top 10.