Madrid, May 9 (BNA) Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz won his second title in the Madrid Open after defeating defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-1 in front of his fans.
Alcaraz looked dangerous throughout his claycourt career, as he stunned 21-time winner Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic before edging past world number three Zverev in the title match.
The 19-year-old is the youngest player since the ATP Tour began in 1990 to defeat three of the top five players in the same event.
Alcaraz, who did not face a break point against the German, said, “It’s a great feeling to be able to beat these guys. Beating two of the best players in history and then world number three Zverev. He’s a fantastic player.” .
“I would say this has been the best week of my life. I’m 19 and I think it’s the key to being able to play long, hard games in a row. I feel great physically.”
Alcaraz, who won his first Masters 1000 title in Miami last month, took the first step when he broke Zverev to love to lead 4-2 before easily closing out the set with his serve.
The home favorite broke the love again to advance 2-1 in the second set as Zverev began to feel frustrated, failing to find ways to stop Alcaraz.
Cheered by the fans at home, the great Alcaraz found the second half with a 4-1 score and won the next two matches to wrap up the match in just an hour.
The Spaniard put the crowd at Manolo Santana on their feet with his versatile shot and relentless hitting as he claimed his seventh consecutive Top 10 win and fourth title of the year.
Ranked 120th in the world just a year ago, Alcaraz would rise to the top of the profession. 6 in the new standings on Monday.
“I want to congratulate Carlitos,” Zverev said. “You are now the best player in the world.”
“It’s great for tennis to have such a new star who is going to win so many Grand Slams, that will be the world number one and I think he will win this tournament many times.”