Carlos Alcaraz has continued his stunning form in 2022 by defeating Alexander Zverev 6-3 6-1 in the Madrid Open final on Sunday.
After beating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic leading up to the deciding match, the Spanish teenager dominated the world number three in front of his home crowd.
Alcaraz didn’t face a single break point against Zverev in the final as he claimed his fourth title of 2022 in comfortable fashion.
“Last year, I was going through these experiences for the first time, playing against the best players, playing in the Masters 1000, and I learned a lot,” Alcaraz said post-match.
“Now it’s different. I go onto the court knowing that I can win, with the confidence that I can win at any moment.”
The 19-year-old recently became the youngest player since Nadal to break into ATP top 10 and is showing no signs of slowing down ahead of the French Open.
Alcaraz has risen to sixth in the latest rankings update as he sets his sights on winning his first Grand Slam.
“I’m ready to win a Grand Slam”
🏆 👀 @alcarazcarlos03 #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/tN2dKTAxS2
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 8, 2022
Why did Zverev slam the ATP Tour after Madrid Open defeat?
While Alcaraz was celebrating another title win, his beaten opponent took a parting shot at the ATP Tour over their scheduling of the tournament.
Zverev played two straight night sessions prior to the final with his previous match against Stefanos Tsitsipas not finishing until 1am after starting at 11pm.
While the game finished at 1am, Zverev wouldn’t get back to his hotel for a few more hours as he warmed down, got treated by physios and ate.
The late hours ultimately took their toll on a sluggish Zverev in the final and he felt fans were robbed of a more competitive match due to the timing of matches.
“The ATP’s job was an absolute disgrace this week,” Zverev said.
“I think all of us have stayed up late, all of us maybe partied sometimes, but if you are staying up until 4am, the next day you are dead. I played the next day. If you’re doing it again, the next day until 5am, you will have a difficult time to be even awake.
“I don’t want to take anything away him. I feel sad for the final that we played, because this could have been a very good match. This could have been a great match.
“It’s quite upsetting because it takes away a great match. It takes away the sport of tennis. Everybody wanted to see a great fight. Everybody wanted to see some high-level tennis. But I’m also human. I’m not a robot.
“I cannot be on my level when this is happening every single night.”
Though unhappy with the rescheduling, Zverev conceded there simply was no stopping an in-form Alcaraz on Sunday.
“Right now you are the best player in the world.” @AlexZverev with high praise for @alcarazcarlos03 in Madrid. #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/JtRbwAlcYZ
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 8, 2022
Ons Jabeur makes history with Madrid Open win
Prior to the men’s singles final, Ons Jabeur became the first Arab or African player to win an WTA 1000 title.
Jabeur defeated Jessica Pegula in the women’s singles final 7-5 0-6 6-2 to claim an important piece of history.
“I honestly still can’t believe it. I went through a roller coaster of emotions during the past few days, just after the semi-final. I was really stressed trying to breathe,” Jabeur said.
“I really didn’t want to get disappointed again. I thought my heart was going out of my chest today. I’m very happy and trying to realise that I won today really.”