Lower than 48 hours after shedding the Monte-Carlo Masters closing to rival Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz survived an damage scare to defeat Otto Virtanen and attain the final 16 of the Barcelona Open.
The Spaniard, who should win the event to reclaim the world No 1 spot from Sinner, defeated Finland’s Virtanen 6-4 6-2 regardless of receiving a medical timeout for a wrist concern on the finish of the primary set.
Nonetheless, Alcaraz didn’t present any indicators of bodily discomfort throughout his 85-minute first-round win on house soil.
“It feels great to be back and to get another win in front of my people in Barcelona, it means everything,” stated Alcaraz, who faces Czech Tomas Machac on Thursday.
“This morning was my first apply right here to adapt to the situations. Completely different situations to Monte Carlo however general I’m actually pleased with the best way that I performed and solved the issues that I had within the first set.
“I ended up playing great tennis, so hopefully in the next round I will feel a little bit better.”
Alcaraz is chasing his third title of the season this week after finishing the profession Grand Slam on the Australian Open and triumphing on the ATP 500 occasion in Doha.
Story of the Tape
Alcaraz motivated to reclaim world No 1
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Highlights of the Monte-Carlo Masters match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz stated the chance to rapidly reclaim the world No 1 rating from his massive rival Jannik Sinner supplied him extra motivation for this week’s event in Barcelona, however regular enchancment through the clay season remained his high precedence.
Alcaraz surrendered his Monte Carlo title and the highest rank to Sinner after Sunday’s closing however the Spaniard could have the possibility to climb again to his perch by capturing the trophy on acquainted territory.
The 2-time champion in Barcelona hopes are boosted by the absence of Sinner within the draw, after the Italian took a break following back-to-back triumphs in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo over the previous few weeks.
“I won’t miss him this week,” Alcaraz joked in his pre-tournament press convention.
“I saw that I have to win the tournament here if I want to get the number one ranking back. The battle between Jannik and myself is great. It probably provides extra motivation.
“However we’re centered and my thoughts is ready on making an attempt to remain on the trail we’re on, making an attempt to maintain enhancing. We’re clear about what we have to do in coaching and in matches. That is the primary aim, outcomes and factors are additional motivation.
The Spaniard hopes to play a full schedule on clay this season with occasions to comply with in Madrid and Rome forward of his French Open title defence starting in Paris on Could 24.
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