Carlos Alcaraz thrilled with 'unbelievable final' against Alexander Zverev, will skip Italian Open ahead of French Open

Updated 09/05/2022 at 09:07 GMT

Carlos Alcaraz continued his dream start to the season as he beat Alexander Zverev in the final of the Madrid Open to clinch a second Masters title. Alcaraz, 19, is now up to No. 6 in the world rankings and is one of the favourites to win the French Open. He says it is "so special" to win in his home country and is looking forward to continuing his fantastic form.

Amazing Alcaraz topples Zverev for Madrid crown

Carlos Alcaraz says he is bursting with confidence after playing an “unbelievable final” to win the Madrid Open.

The 19-year-old continued his stunning start to the season by beating defending champion Alexander Zverev in just 62 minutes.

Alcaraz has now won two Masters titles in 2022 and is up to No. 6 in the world rankings.

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“I played an unbelievable final,” he told Eurosport.

“I went for it, I have the confidence right now for the next tournament, now it’s time to enjoy this moment, being champion and after today it’s time to focus on the next tournament.

“I always watch this tournament with great players and great champions, and to be part of the Madrid history, to be with these players, is so special. I work hard for it.”

After beating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to reach the final, Alcaraz produced a brilliant display to brush past Zverev, who blasted the ATP scheduling for depriving him of sleep.

Alcaraz did not face a break point during the final as he secured his seventh straight top-10 win.

Asked in his press conference whether he is the best player in the world right now, Alcaraz said: “Djokovic is No. 1 in the ranking. You know, because I have won Barcelona, and I have beaten Djokovic and Rafa yesterday in Madrid, I don't consider myself the best player in the world.

"I consider myself a player that's playing very well. You know, as the numbers speak by themselves, I think that I'm doing it quite well on clay right now."

Alcaraz also revealed that he was suffering with an ankle issue ahead of the match and will not play the Italian Open this week.

He said: "Due to the fall that I had with Rafa, the ankle, I had a problem, and this morning it was a little more swollen. And also I had a blister in my feet which was a little bit infected, and it's been a little bit tough start of the day. It was difficult for me to walk.

“I think that, you know, given the state of my feet and my ankle, I am really excited for fighting for a Grand Slam. I think that it's better to rest, to recover my ankle, recover my feet, to be in Paris at 100 per cent."

The French Open starts on May 22.