Photograph: Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz continued his stunning form in 2022, defeating world No.3 Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-1 in just 62 minutes to win the Madrid Open title.
The Spaniard will rise to a new career-high ranking of world No. 6.
The title was the 19-year-old’s second ATP Masters 1000 title, making him the second-youngest player in history to achieve such a feat. His idol, Rafael Nadal achieved the feat at just 18 years of age.
In what was a stunning week for the Spanish star, he became the first player in history to defeat tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the same clay-court tournament.
Alcaraz broke Zverev’s serve in the sixth game of the first set to lead 4-2. Showing maturity beyond his age, the Spaniard held his nerve to close out the set. The second was one-way traffic with the Spaniard overpowering and outplaying his German opponent.
Alcaraz never gave Zverev a chance on his serve, not facing a breakpoint the entire match.
“This tournament is special for me because it’s a tournament I came and watched when I was seven or eight,” said Alcaraz.
“It was a spectacular atmosphere,” he said. “I was able to win with the support of all the people.”
Post-match, Alexander Zverev expressed his frustration with his scheduling throughout the tournament.
“I have to say is that the ATP’s job was an absolute disgrace this week. Two days ago I went to bed at 4:00, 4:30 a.m. Yesterday I went to bed at 5:20 a.m.,” Zverev said.
“If any normal person goes to bed one night at 4:00 a.m., the next night at 5:00 a.m., it will be a tough time just to be awake for them."
Both men will now look to quickly turn their attention to the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome.