Alcaraz Battles Into Barcelona Open Last 16 as He Chases Another Title
Carlos Alcaraz continued his winning streak and moved into the last 16 of the Barcelona Open after a tough second-set battle against American qualifier Ethan Quinn.
The Spanish star, fresh from lifting the Monte-Carlo Masters trophy on Sunday, started strong by taking the first set 6-2. But he was pushed in the second, trailing 3-1 and needing to save a set point in the tie-break before sealing a 6-2 7-6 (8-6) victory.
Alcaraz is aiming to win the Barcelona Open for the third time, having already claimed the title in 2022 and 2023. He missed the 2024 edition due to injury, with Casper Ruud taking the title in his absence.
The 20-year-old now faces Laslo Djere in the last 16 as he looks to keep his momentum going and add another ATP title to his growing list of achievements.
Alcaraz eyes back-to-back ATP titles
Alcaraz’s win over Quinn stretched his current winning run to six matches, building on his superb performance in Monte Carlo, where he defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the final to clinch his sixth ATP Masters 1000 crown.
His form signals a strong return to dominance on clay as he eyes further success in the European swing ahead of the French Open.
Other Results: Norrie out, Ruud and Tsitsipas through
While Alcaraz advanced, Britain’s Cameron Norrie fell at the first hurdle. Despite winning the first set against Karen Khachanov, Norrie lost 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-3, continuing a poor run of form. He hasn’t won a main-draw match since reaching the third round at Indian Wells in March.
Elsewhere, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas progressed with straight-set wins over Daniel Elahi Galan and Reilly Opelka respectively. Alex de Minaur also moved into the last 16 and will play Britain’s Jacob Fearnley next.
However, it was disappointment for Frances Tiafoe, who suffered a second straight early exit, this time falling 2-6 7-5 6-1 to Jaume Munar.
At the WTA event in Rouen, Harriet Dart of Great Britain was comfortably beaten 6-0 6-3 by French wildcard Lois Boisson.
