Alcaraz’s ‘best week’ ends with title

When Carlos Alcaraz played in his first Madrid Open as an 18-year-old, his goal was to gain experience and learn from the top players. Only a year later, Alcaraz already feels he belongs among the best. The Spanish teenage sensation capped another impressive week with a straight-set victory over defending champ Alexander Zverev on Sunday to win the Madrid Open and become the second-youngest player to win two Masters 1000 titles. His 6-3, 6-1 win over Zverev followed victories over his idol Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals and top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. “Last year I was going through these experiences for the first time ... and I learned a lot,” Alcaraz said. “Now it’s different. I go onto the court knowing I can win.” Alcaraz became the youngest winner in Madrid, and the second youngest to win two Masters 1000 trophies after Nadal won a pair in 2005. “It feels great,” the 19-year-old and ninth-ranked Alcaraz said. “To beat two of the best in history and then Zverev, the No. 3 . ... I would say this is the best week of my life.” It was Alcaraz’s Atp-leading fourth title of the year.