Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis superstar, launched his 2025 Barcelona Open campaign with a dazzling performance, defeating American qualifier Ethan Quinn in straight sets on Tuesday. The world No. 2’s 6-3, 6-2 victory not only marked a confident start at the ATP 500 event but also extended his remarkable winning streak at the tournament to 12 matches. This achievement places him among an elite group, with only Mats Wilander’s 23-match run from 1982 to 1984 standing above him in the tournament’s storied history.
The sun-drenched courts of the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899 felt like home for Alcaraz, whose connection to the event runs deep. “It’s a privilege for me to return to Barcelona, which I feel was and is my home,” he said, his words resonating with the passionate Spanish crowd. Fans filled the stands, their chants of “Olé, Olé, Olé! Carlos!” echoing across the Catalan clay as he dismantled Quinn with a blend of power and finesse. Since his debut loss to Frances Tiafoe in 2021, Alcaraz has been untouchable here, claiming titles in 2022 and 2023 and cementing his status as a clay-court titan.
Against Quinn, ranked No. 126, Alcaraz was relentless. His blistering forehand, pinpoint serves, and lightning-fast movement overwhelmed the American, who earned his spot through the qualifying rounds. Alcaraz broke serve early in both sets, showcasing his ability to seize momentum. A delicate drop shot in the second set drew gasps from the crowd, while his trademark intensity—fist pumps and all—kept the energy high. The match, over in just under 70 minutes, was a statement of intent from a player hungry for more silverware.
This victory comes on the heels of Alcaraz’s Monte Carlo Masters triumph, where he outlasted Lorenzo Musetti in a gripping final. That success, he noted, has bolstered his confidence. “I gained a lot of confidence in Monte Carlo,” he admitted, though he was quick to temper expectations. “But that’s not the same as seeing myself as the favourite on the clay swing… nowadays there’s a long list of players who can make a splash at every tournament.” His humility belies a season already brimming with highlights: a 20-4 record in 2025, four Grand Slam titles, and the distinction of being the youngest man to win majors on hard, grass, and clay.
Alcaraz’s Barcelona streak is a nod to his consistency and growth. After losing to Tiafoe as a 17-year-old wildcard, he has turned the tournament into his personal playground. His 2022 title run saw him edge out Pablo Carreño Busta, while in 2023, he dominated Stefanos Tsitsipas in a 6-3, 6-4 final. Now, with 12 straight wins, he trails only Wilander, whose flawless start included three consecutive titles. “We are four months into the year, and I have learned many things,” Alcaraz reflected. “Now I give importance to what truly matters.” That focus, honed under coaches Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel López, has steadied him after earlier losses to Novak Djokovic in Australia and David Goffin in Miami.
The road ahead in Barcelona is fraught with challenges. Defending champion Casper Ruud, fresh off a strong Monte Carlo showing, looms large, as do Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, and rising star Arthur Fils. Yet Alcaraz thrives in high-stakes moments. His 2024 French Open and Wimbledon titles proved his mettle, and his love for competing at home fuels his fire. “I’m ready to compete, feel the love of my people, play in Barcelona, in Spain,” he said, his grin capturing the joy of a homecoming.
As Alcaraz advances, the tennis world buzzes with anticipation. A third Barcelona title would tie Wilander’s haul and further etch his name into the tournament’s legacy. At just 21, he’s already rewriting record books, blending raw talent with a maturity beyond his years. The clay season is his canvas, and with every match, Alcaraz paints a masterpiece, leaving fans and rivals alike in awe of what’s to come.