Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell—Barcelona, Spain
Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz captured his third title of 2022 on Sunday in Barcelona Spain, dispatching compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-2.
After needing three hours and 40 minutes to dismiss Alex de Minaur earlier in the day, Alcaraz returned to the court three hours later in great form. The Miami and Rio Open champion continued to prove that his fitness and forehand are at the top of the men’s game. Winning 88 percent of his first serve points and striking two aces, Alcaraz broke the serve of Carreno Busta on four occasions.
The 18-year-old, who is currently No. 9 in the world, will next see action in Madrid, Spain next week.
Carreno Busta, who was aiming to win his seventh career title, will be ranked No. 18 in the world on Monday.
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Serbia Open—Belgrade, Serbia
No. 2 seed Andrey Rublev captured his third title of 2022 on Sunday in Belgrade, Serbia, defeating World No. 1 and home-country hero Novak Djokovic 6-2, 6-7(4) 6-0.
After breezing through the opening set, Rublev quickly encountered tough resistance from the all-time great in set two, before finding his form to cruise in set three.
Needing two hours and 28 minutes to claim his crown, Rublev now owns 11 career titles and improved to 1-1 against Djokovic in lifetime meetings.
Djokovic, who played three set matches during every round of the event, will now shift his attention to the Madrid Open in Spain. The former three-time winner in Madrid will be looking for his first title of 2022.
Rublev, who continues to prove that his forehand is one of the best on Tour, will also be in action in Madrid next week.
