Carlos Alcaraz bounces back from Jannik Sinner Monte Carlo Masters final defeat with straight sets win despite injury scare in Barcelona Open

Carlos Alcaraz beat Otto Virtanen 6-4 6-2 to progress into the round of 16 at the Barcelona Open, just two days after his Monte Carlo Masters final loss to Jannik Sinner.

The two-time Barcelona champion, out to defend his title in Catalonia, was made to work for the first set against the Finnish qualifier, and required a medical timeout for a wrist injury.

Having found his rhythm, though, Alcaraz cruised through the second set to book his place in the next round.

It was a commendable effort from 24-year-old Virtanen, ranked 130th in the world.

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Alcaraz appeared uncomfortable in the first set, making several unforced errors and saving three break points at 2-2.

A powerful forehand then set up a break point of his own, but the Spaniard could not take the opportunity. Instead, his big-serving, powerful opponent remained in the set right to the end.

Alcaraz required some treatment from his physio for a wrist problem at 5-4, and he looked sharper immediately after, securing the first break of the match to take the first set.

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Video credit: SNTV

There was an exchange of breaks at the start of the second set but world No. 2 Alcaraz - who could become world No. 1 again if he wins this tournament - soon pulled clear.

A double break put him in control and he saw out the set with relative ease, winning the match in an hour and 25 minutes.

Alcaraz will next play Czechia’s Tomas Machac, who beat Sebastian Baez in his round of 32 match.

”It feels great to be back," Alcaraz said after his victory. "To get another win here in Barcelona in front of my people, my everything. I missed playing here in Barcelona.

"I tried to adapt my game as good as I can. It wasn’t easy. This morning was my first practice here. That with the conditions, different conditions than Monte Carlo.

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”But overall I’m just really happy with the way I played and solved the problems I had in the first set. I ended up playing great tennis. Hopefully in the next round, I feel a little bit better. Let’s see how it’s going to be.”

Asked about his wrist, Alcaraz said: ”I have had little time between tournaments and clay is one of the most demanding surfaces.

”Small issues and discomfort always appear in the body. I will look at it with my physio and my team, and hopefully it is nothing.”

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