Birthday Boy Alcaraz Overwhelms Coric To Reach Another Madrid Final

| by Kadir Macar

Carlos Alcaraz will be playing in the 2023 Madrid Open final after beating Borna Coric at La Caja Magica.

It's been a few minutes of mixed news for the Spanish fans. While the 20-year-old was battling on the court, Spanish legend Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from the 2023 Italian Open in Rome. But Alcaraz didn't know that as he battled against the 17th-seeded Croatian at the ATP 1000 event in the Spanish capital.

The two never met before but their first meeting was surely worth a watch. The first four games were incredible long and took over 30 minutes, but the score was tied at 2-2 as none of the players could use their break points.

However, after physically demanding start, Alcaraz was the first player to break, ensuring a 3-2 lead and holding for a 4-2 lead in the first set. Although, the Spaniard couldn't add any more breaks, he won the first set 6-4 after two more comfortable holds of serve.

Rafael Nadal Forced To Withdraw From 2023 Italian Open in Rome
Rafael Nadal Forced To Withdraw From 2023 Italian Open in Rome

The second set included many more breaks, and once more, Alcaraz was the player who was more effective. Coric played one of his better matches, but he just couldn't find responses to the questions that his opponent asked.

After an hour and 41 minutes, Alcaraz won the match 6-4, 6-3 to book his spot in the 2023 Madrid Open final and soon after the match ended, tournament director Feliciano Lopez appeared at he Manolo Santana Stadium, celebrating the Spaniard's 20th birthday.

In the final, the world no. 2 will take on a winner of the rematch of a qualifying final between Jan-Lennard Struff, who is a lucky loser, and a qualifier Aslan Karatsev. After the match, the Spaniard said:

"It means a lot to me to play the final here in Madrid, it's such a special place for me. I have great memories since I came to play here under-12 tournament. Turning 20 like that is always special, I will enjoy the final here, and of course, I will try to make all Spaniards happy."

"It was a goal for me at the beginning of the match to play my game, to play aggressively, that's something I'm looking forward to in every match, being attacking and playing with my forehand. I feel comfortable playing with that."

"As I said a few times, I'm enjoying playing here in Madrid, so I always try to make them [the crowd] happy. I don't think about the pressure, I just try to make a good result here and I enjoy every second here."

Gauff & Pegula Reach Madrid Open Final Extending Win Streak To 9 Matches
Gauff & Pegula Reach Madrid Open Final Extending Win Streak To 9 Matches

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