Carlos Alcaraz, the world number two, is back in action at the Barcelona Open after skipping the Monte Carlo Masters due to an injury. The defending champion made a winning start at the home event, defeating Nuno Borges 6-3, 6-1 in just 63 minutes to advance into the third round.
Alcaraz served at 49%, but this didn’t hinder his performance. Despite dropping 12 points behind the initial shot and losing serve once from two chances offered to the Portuguese, the Spaniard claimed victory with ease. Borges claimed only five points behind the second serve and allowed Alcaraz to turn 53% of the return points into five breaks from seven opportunities. Alcaraz fired 11 winners and 14 unforced errors, landing 13 service winners and reducing his opponent to only two direct points from the field.
The home favorite made an impressive title defense start, earning three break chances in the third game with a deep return and seizing the first after Borges’ double fault. Alcaraz forced the rival’s mistake at 2-1 to confirm the break and painted a forehand down the line winner in game five to deliver his second break and forge a 4-1 advantage.
Alcaraz held in game six with a perfect drop shot winner and served for the opener at 5-2. Although he netted a backhand in the eighth game and experienced a break point, Borges drew the youngster’s error to seize it, pull the break back, and prolong the set. However, Alcaraz left that temporary setback behind and forced Borges’ mistake in game nine to earn set points. He converted the second to wrap up the set 6-3 with his third break and gain momentum.
Alcaraz held at 15 at the start of the second set and grabbed a break a few minutes later after a deep backhand return. The Spaniard raced into a 3-0 lead with a hold at love and took another big step toward the finish line. Although he faced a break point in game five, he denied it with a forced error and fired a forehand down the line winner for a 4-1 advantage. Alcaraz secured another break of serve in the sixth game to open a 5-1 gap and serve for the victory. World no. 2 held at love with an unreturned serve to seal the deal and set the third-round clash with Roberto Bautista Agut.
Alcaraz’s performance was remarkable, and he looks set to continue his winning streak at the Barcelona Open. Fans are eagerly anticipating his third-round match with Roberto Bautista Agut, and the Spaniard’s performance will be closely watched.