Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis prodigy, kicked off his 2025 Barcelona Open campaign with a commanding victory, defeating American qualifier Ethan Quinn in straight sets on Tuesday. The world No. 2’s performance was not just a routine win but a testament to his growing dominance on clay, as he achieved a rare milestone: a 12-match winning streak at the tournament. This feat places him in elite company, surpassed only by former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander, who won his first 23 matches at the Barcelona Open between 1982 and 1984.
Alcaraz’s journey at the ATP 500 event has been nothing short of spectacular. Since his debut loss to Frances Tiafoe in 2021, the young Spaniard has not dropped a single match at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899. His back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, coupled with Tuesday’s triumph, have solidified his reputation as a clay-court force. “It’s a privilege for me to return to Barcelona, which I feel was and is my home,” Alcaraz shared, his voice carrying the warmth of a player deeply connected to the Catalan clay. The passionate support of the Spanish crowd, chanting “Olé, Olé, Olé! Carlos!” under the Mediterranean sun, only amplified the electric atmosphere.
The match against Quinn, ranked No. 126, was a showcase of Alcaraz’s versatility. His powerful forehand, lightning-fast footwork, and deft touch at the net overwhelmed his opponent, who struggled to find answers. Alcaraz converted multiple break points with precision, securing a 6-3, 6-2 victory that felt both clinical and exhilarating. Yet, he remained grounded, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “I gained a lot of confidence in Monte Carlo,” he admitted, referencing his recent title run at the Masters 1000 event. “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.”
Wilander’s record, the benchmark Alcaraz now chases, is a towering one. The Swedish legend stormed through Barcelona with a perfect 12-0 start, capturing titles in 1982, 1983, and 1984 before losing in the 1985 final. His 23-match streak remains unmatched, but Alcaraz’s current run—unblemished since that 2021 defeat—hints at his potential to close the gap. At just 21, the four-time Grand Slam champion has already etched his name alongside tennis immortals. His 2022 US Open, 2023 Wimbledon, and 2024 French Open and Wimbledon titles make him the youngest man to win majors on all three surfaces, a feat that underscores his adaptability and hunger.
Alcaraz’s milestone comes at a pivotal moment. Fresh off his Monte Carlo triumph, where he battled past Lorenzo Musetti in a thrilling final, he carries a 20-4 record in 2025 and a renewed focus. “We are four months into the year, and I have learned many things,” he reflected. “Now I give importance to what truly matters.” That clarity has fueled his resurgence after earlier setbacks, including losses to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open and David Goffin in Miami. With coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, whom Alcaraz calls a “second father,” and new assistant coach Samuel López in his corner, he appears poised for another deep run.
The Barcelona Open draw is no cakewalk. Defending champion Casper Ruud, four-time finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, and dangerous talents like Andrey Rublev and Arthur Fils loom as potential threats. Alcaraz, however, thrives under pressure. His 2023 final against Tsitsipas, a 6-3, 6-4 masterclass, showcased his ability to dismantle top opposition. As he eyes a third Barcelona title, matching Wilander’s trio of crowns is within reach—a goal that would further cement his legacy.
For now, Alcaraz remains focused on the present. “I’m ready to compete, feel the love of my people, play in Barcelona, in Spain,” he said, his smile reflecting the joy of a homecoming. The road to surpassing Wilander’s record is long, but if anyone can challenge it, it’s the kid from Murcia who’s rewriting tennis history with every swing. As the clay season unfolds, all eyes are on Alcaraz, a champion whose star burns brighter with each victory.