Carlos Alcaraz has won two titles at the Barcelona Open by the age of 22, marking a notable achievement.
He won his first title in 2022, defeating fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreño Busta in the final. A year later, he defended his title by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4.
These back-to-back victories place him among a select few, as only Rafael Nadal has previously defended this title.
Carlos Alcaraz’s record in Barcelona
Alcaraz missed the 2024 event due to injury but returned in 2025, only to lose in the final against Holger Rune. This year, he began on a positive note with a straight-set win over Otto Virtanen.
Winning two titles before turning 23 is commendable, even if it doesn’t match Nadal’s achievements at the same age.
Nadal secured five consecutive titles from 2005 to 2009 before he turned 23. His streak ended due to fatigue, which forced him to withdraw the following year.
Rafael Nadal after his last Barcelona Open victory
Nadal earned his 12th and final Barcelona title in 2021, overcoming Stefanos Tsitsipas in a match where he saved a match point, finishing 6–4, 6–7, 7–5.
After the match, Nadal remarked: “I think I never played a final like this in this tournament, so it means a lot to me against a player like him. It is an important victory for me.”
He added, “It is about accepting the challenge and being humble enough to know when you need to fight and find solutions.”
Speaking to the crowd, Nadal said: “Being able to play in Barcelona again means a lot to me. After almost a year away from the court, these feelings are incredible. I truly appreciate all the support you have shown me throughout my career.”