Carlos Alcaraz won his fifth ATP 1000 Masters title after beating German lucky loser Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 on Sunday. With this win, the Spaniard successfully defended his title in Madrid and became the youngest player to successfully defend an ATP Masters 1000 title since Nadal at Monte-Carlo and Rome in 2005-06.
This is the 10th tour-level title for the 20-year-old Alcaraz as he continues to impress with his game. The Spaniard will also rise to the numero uno position in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings when he will play his first match in Rome.
Alcaraz broke Struff’s serve in the opening game of the match but the German bounced back to get his break back. However, the Spaniard once again broke his opponent’s serve in the seventh game of the first set and then went on to take the opening set. Subsequently, Struff bounced back to take the second set 6-3 but Alcaraz was able to hold his nerves in the third and final set.
Alcaraz was delighted to defend his Madrid Open title in front of his family, friends, and his special team.
“For me, it is so, so special,” Alcaraz said. “To lift the trophy here in Madrid. In my country. It is always special to play and to be able to do a good result here and [being] a champion is so special. In front of my home crowd, my family, my friends. Everyone close to me. For me it is a special feeling that I will never forget.”
In fact, Struff pushed Alcaraz to the limits but the latter wrapped up the game in 2 hours and 25 minutes. The Spaniard admitted that it was really a tough match as he had to bring his best to the court.
“It was a really tough match,” Alcaraz said. “Jan was playing great, really aggressive. In the second set I had a lot of chances to break his serve and I didn’t take it and it was tough for me to lose it. I told myself that I had to be positive all the time and that I would have my chances and I think I did it in the third set.”
The youngster also gave credit to the crowd for all the love and support throughout the tournament.
“Once again it has been amazing. The crowd, my people, since the first day, were cheering my name,” Alcaraz added. “It is really amazing to have a lot of people behind you and supporting you and pushing you on.”
Alcaraz will now be seen in the Italian Open.
