Carlos Alcaraz returned with everything to the circuit and in his first tournament of the year he became champion. It was at the Argentina Open, before a crowd that gave him an ovation since his debut at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.
The Spaniard, number two in the world ranking and top seed in the Buenos Aires ATP, prevailed in straight sets over the British Cameron Norrie, second seed.
The final of the 23rd edition of the Buenos Aires ATP ended 6/3 and 7/5 in favor of the Spanish.
“It has been a great final. We play at a high level. It is a very happy moment for me, it is the first tournament following being unemployed for four months and playing at the level that I have played makes me very happy”, said the new champion, who once once more established himself on the ATP circuit following reaching the year past at US Open.
His schedule had to be modified due to the injury and Alcaraz missed the Australian Open, but he took advantage of his visit to Rio de Janeiro where he will defend the title of the tournament that begins on Monday and assured that this present is “better” than he dreamed of.
“I didn’t expect to play at this level. Returning following spending so long without playing an official match is not easy. I’m a competitive boy, it’s in my blood and I think he proved it,” the Spaniard boasted at the foot of the pitch.
“Apart from the title, I take with me the affection with which they have received me from the first moment. That’s unique. Beyond the titles, feeling at home is super special”, valued the number two in the world.
The Murcian stretched his title collection to eight in his career, since he had also lifted the champion’s trophy in Umag 2021, plus Rio de Janeiro, Masters 1000 in Miami and Madrid, the Conde de Godó in Barcelona and the US Open, all in 2022.
Alcaraz inscribed his name on the list of the Argentina Open, which with 23 consecutive editions is installed as one of the great events of February on brick dust, and the tournament gave birth to a new champion, following the title that the Norwegian won last year Casper Ruud, current number four on the planet.
