‘A tough opponent people often underrate’

Carlos Alcaraz will chase the Barcelona Open quarter-final spot against Laslo Djere. The home favorite defeated Ethan Quinn 6-2, 7-6 in the first round and arranged his second clash against the Serb. 

The two-time champion praised Laslo and his high-level tennis against the rivals from the top. Alcaraz reflected on their first meeting in Buenos Aires two years ago, calling it a challenging three-setter. The Spaniard will try to maintain his focus throughout the duel and give his everything. 

Also, Carlos is eager to reduce the ups and downs and perform at a steady pace against a dangerous opponent. 

Match point won in style and successful return for CARLOS ALCARAZ!

After three months without a match, Carlitos the phenomenon defeated Laslo Djere in Buenos Aires (6-2 4-6 6-3).

(🎥 @TennisTV )pic.twitter.com/1Lk09ZZgVF

— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) February 16, 2023

As we already said, they met in the second round in Buenos Aires in 2023. Alcaraz played his first match since November last year and produced a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 victory in two hours. Competing for the first time after three months is never easy, and Carlos did a fine job to prevail. 

The favorite outplayed his first behind the first and second serve and defended six of seven break points. Djere clinched that lone break in the second set to extend the battle. However, he experienced four breaks in sets one and three to propel Alcaraz over the top.

Laslo hit a double fault in the third game of the encounter and fell 2-1 behind. Carlos cemented the lead with a service winner in game four before his rival reduced the gap. Laslo felt the pain in his stomach and took a pill ahead of the sixth game. 

The Spaniard closed the sixth game at love with an unreturned serve and made another push on the return in the next one. The Serb sprayed a forehand error and suffered the second break to fall 5-2 behind. Carlos served for the opener in game…