Carlos Alcaraz is set to meet Stefanos Tsitsipas in the 2023 Barcelona Open final and it's a match everyone is looking forward to.
Last year, the two met in Barcelona and the match featured a spicy moment when Tsitsipas fired a ball at Alcaraz but the teenager handled the situation well and won the match to secure a Top 10 breakthrough after the event.
This time, the situation is much different. Alcaraz already experienced how it feels to be the world no. 1 and heading into the final clash against the Greek, he's a clear favourite. In the semifinals, he had no problems against Dan Evans, while Tsitsipas had to fight in three sets against Musetti. But for the Spaniard, playing in Barcelona is more than about enjoying the ATP 500 tournament.
“It’s so special to play a final here in Barcelona, a tournament that I love playing. I came to watch this tournament when I was really young and I played for this club when I was 11 or 12. I love this club, I love this tournament, and it’s so special to have the chance to lift the trophy here again.”
Ahead of the final meeting against the world no. 5, Alcaraz remembers what happened last year, but he wants to give Tsitsipas a second chance. According to his own words, he knows that his final opponent is 'a really nice guy off the court' and so he will attempt to forget last year's incident.
“I feel really comfortable playing here in Barcelona and [I am] playing well. Stefanos as well is playing great matches. Last year we had a spicy match, let’s say. I know he’s a really nice guy off the court, so I’m going to try to forget everything that has happened in the matches before, try to focus on my game tomorrow, and try to get the win.”
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