Alcaraz fights fatigue in opening Barca win

Less than 48 hours after winning the Monte Carlo title, Carlos Alcaraz was back on court, with the Spaniard conserving valuable energy with a 6-2, 7-6 (6) opening win at the Barcelona Open.

The top seed won his 11th straight match at the Catalan home venue after titles in 2022 and 2023.

He defeated American qualifier Ethan Quinn, ranked 126th, with Alcaraz posting his 18th clay win from 19 matches played since last May.

Alcaraz saved a Quinn set point in the second-set tiebreaker before wrapping up the win in an hour and three-quarters.

“Clay season is short and intense, week after week,” the winner said. “You have to give your 100 per cent in every match, every tournament.

“I played the Monte Carlo final on Sunday and flew yesterday. I was able to train to get used to the court and the conditions.

“But I could not rest at all, so saving energy is really important. Sometimes we need a few days to recharge our batteries and rest.”

He added: “I was glad to go through and give myself the chance to play another match.”

Alcaraz enters the second round against Laslo Djere after the Serb scored a three-set opening win.