Alcaraz Opens Barcelona Tournament with Win Against Quinn

Fresh off his victory at the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000, Carlos Alcaraz continues this week at the Barcelona Open, where he is already a two-time champion (2022 and 2023).

Absent from the Catalan tournament last year, the world No. 2 and new Race rankings leader began his campaign in the first round against Ethan Quinn, a 21-year-old American qualifier.

In control during the first set, Alcaraz broke his opponent twice. Solid in crucial moments (saving all five break points he faced in the opening set), the four-time Grand Slam winner ultimately took a clear advantage before facing tougher resistance in the second set.

Much more tested by his opponent, who played more freely, Alcaraz was pushed to his limits and even came close to being dragged into a perilous third set.

In a more unpredictable second set (six breaks, three each), the Spaniard thought he had done the hard part when serving for the match at 6-5. But Quinn fought back and forced Alcaraz into a tiebreak.

Neither player dominated on serve, but Quinn, who had previously defeated Corentin Moutet and Borna Coric in qualifying, even earned a set point. Alcaraz then tightened his game, executing a backhand passing shot to level at 6-6 before sealing the match two points later with a final drop shot.

Carlos Alcaraz wins in straight sets (6-2, 7-6 in 1h46) and advances to the round of 16 at this ATP 500 event in Barcelona, where he will face Laslo Djere. The Serbian, notably, eliminated French lucky loser Arthur Rinderknech in three sets (6-7, 6-1, 6-2).