This is the first ATP 500 tour title for the 18-year-old Spaniard and it is also a record. He is now the youngest player to have won an ATP 500 event since the category was created back in 2009.
He also moves up in the world rankings and will make his Top 20 debut in quick order.
The match with Schwartzman lasted 1 hour and 27 minutes and it showcased Alcaraz’s power and fearless gameplay.
I think this is my game. Its a lot of variety. Its the key [to how] I won the match. I know how Diego plays and this was really important for me, said Alcaraz.
Alcaraz turned pro in 2018 and now has two tour titles. He is right-handed and is being coached by Juan Carlos Ferrero. Last year, he made it to the quarter-finals of the US Open.
Schwartzman won the Rio Open back in 2018. When speaking of the South American leg of the tournaments, he said. “I think the South American clay season gives me a lot of confidence, points, and rhythm. After Australia, I went back home not feeling very well. Physically I finished not in the best way in the first tournaments of the year. But then I made the semi-finals and two finals in South America, losing against I think the best opponents every tournament.”