Holder Carlos Alcaraz fought off a second-set surge from determined German Jan-Lennard Struff before finally emerging with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory in the Madrid Masters final on Sunday.
The 20-year-old No. 1 backed up his home title from a year ago at the Caja Magica as he defeated the first lucky loser from qualifying to reach a Masters 1000 final, taking just under two and a half hours.
“It’s so so special to win another trophy in Madrid the top seed said.
“It’s always a pleasure to ply here, and to win again is unbelievable. it was an incredible match.
“This is one that I will never forget.”
Alcaraz claimed the opening set but fell into trouble in the second as Struff made his presence in the final known.
The 33-year-old lost his second final after Munich two years ago.
But Struff threatened in the second as he won a fifth game lasting for 15 minutes where he saved five break points and battled through eight deuced to take a 4-1 lead.
The outsider maintained his momentum to level the match but was unable to keep pace in the third.
Alcaraz re-established superiority as he broke for 3-1 and served a love game to reach 5-2.
One game latere, it ended on the Spaniard’s first of three match points.
Acaraz was out-hit by Struff, who tallied 26 winners to 19 for the seed after nearly two and a quarter hours.
“He played great, really aggressive ,” Alcaraz said. “Sometimes, I couldn’t play my game.
“I had to wait for my chances; I told myself to stay positive and I would have more chances.”
The 52nd-ranked Struff was the first lucky loser to reach a Masters 1000 final since the series began in 1990.
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…
Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…