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Carlos Alcaraz of Spain shakes hands with young fans after winning the Madrid Open men's singles title at La Caja Magica in Madrid, Spain, May 7, 2023. /CFP
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain defended his Madrid Open title with a hard-fought 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany on Sunday.
It was his fifth ATP Masters 1000 title and 10th career title, making the 20-year-old the youngest player since Rafael Nadal in 2006 to defend an ATP Masters 1000 title.
He can reclaim the world top ranking from Novak Djokovic of Serbia simply by playing a single match at the Rome Masters next week, before the French Open.
Alcaraz continued his Roland Garros build-up by adding the Madrid trophy to victories in Barcelona, Buenos Aires and Indian Wells this year, although he was below his vibrant best against Struff, the world number 65.
"Today, I enjoyed it in parts. In other parts, I suffered more than I enjoyed it, but it's what you have to live with," said Alcaraz.
"Nerves come into play, and it's difficult, but I think I enjoyed it more than I suffered today."
Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany serves during the Madrid Open men's singles final in Madrid, Spain, May 7, 2023. /CFP
Tennis world rankings are based on points claimed at each tournament, which expire every year. To maintain the points won at an event, a player must at least match the tally from the previous year.
Alcaraz skipped the Rome Masters last year due to an ankle injury, so he has no points to defend, while Djokovic won in Rome last year and thus cannot improve his overall points total.
"I am an ambitious guy, and I'm going full for the win in Rome," Alcaraz said.
The Spaniard, who turned 20 on Friday, has enjoyed a spectacular start to his career by winning the U.S. Open last September to become the youngest man to top the rankings.
(With input from agencies)
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Copyright © 2023 CGTN. 京ICP备16065310号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466