Carlos Alcaraz wins ATP Rio final
Spanish 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz beat Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman in two dazzling sets on Sunday to win the Rio Open final, becoming the youngest ATP 500 champion ever.
It's a win for the team 🙌@alcarazcarlos03 | @RioOpenOficial | #RioOpen pic.twitter.com/9JjKFTUIPZ
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 20, 2022
Looking faster, stronger and fitter than his 29-year-old opponent, Alcaraz put on a clay-court master class in Rio de Janeiro, winning 6-4, 6-2 in a match likely to bolster his reputation as the “New Nadal” — a nickname he dislikes.
“I can’t believe it, it’s a great feeling. Despite all the difficulties, it’s been a spectacular tournament,” Alcaraz said after claiming the second title of his career, following Umag in July — also on clay.
Carlos is in the zone 🔥
He takes the opening set in the Rio final 👏@alcarazcarlos03 | @RioOpenOficial | #RioOpen pic.twitter.com/jqp4xagdgU
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 20, 2022
The win will take Alcaraz, who went into the match ranked 29th in the world, to 19th in the ATP’s next rankings Monday.