Alcaraz turns 20, repeats his Madrid dream

Carlos Alcaraz celebrated his 20th birthday in winning style on Friday as the Spaniard nailed down a second straight Madrid Masters finals place 6-4, 6-3 over Borna Coric.

“Turning 20 like that is special, so I will enjoy the final here and of course I will try to make all of Spain happy,” the winner said.

The top seed who can return to world No. 1 by winning the title and stepping onto court next week in Rome, will be defending the elite title he won last year here.

Alcaraz defeated his Croat opponent in an hour and three-quarter, breaking four times from six chances at the Caja Magica.

The local talent will be chasing a fourth consecutive home trophy after winning Barcelona and Madrid a year ago and taking last month’s Barcelona honours.

“I’m not thinking about the pressure here,” Alcaraz said.

“I ‘m just thinking about playing a great match, getting good results. It’s a really special place for me, I enjoy every second here, so that’s all I think about.”

Alcaraz now stands 28-2 on the season after earning his semi-final victory with 30 winners.

“It means a lot to me, playing a final again here in Madrid,” said Alcaraz.

“It’s such a special place for me and I have great memories since I came here to play under-12 (youth bracket). Of course last year (the title) was amazing.

“It was a goal for me to start points playing aggressive. This is something I look for in every match, trying to attack on the return and of course trying to play with my forehand. 

“I think I hurt him with the forehand and of course the drop shot, so this is a key and I’m trying to do it in every match.”

Alcaraz will be trying on Sunday to add to his 2023 titles in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells and Barcelona this season.

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz celebrates victory