Carlos Alcaraz is searching for a third career title in Barcelona at this week’s tournament.
The world number two impressively began his clay court season at last week’s Monte-Carlo Masters, winning the title having trailed by a set to love on three occasions.
Carrying that momentum through to the Barcelona Open, Alcaraz beat Ethan Quinn in his opening match, 6-2, 7-6.
Alcaraz then enjoyed a rare day off on Wednesday, taking a brief break from his hectic clay-court schedule.
After returning to action on Thursday to win his second-round match at the Barcelona Open, the Spaniard revealed what he ‘forgot’ during his day off.
Carlos Alcaraz says he ‘forgot’ matches were being played in Barcelona while enjoying his day off
Alcaraz beat Serbia’s Laslo Djere in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, to book his place in the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open.
During his post-match interview, Alcaraz revealed what he forgot on Wednesday, as he enjoyed his time away from the court.
“I stayed away from tennis,” he said.
“Sometimes I forgot that the tournament kept going, that there were matches yesterday.
“That was really helpful for me, I went shopping so it was a great thing to turn off my mind a little bit.
“Obviously, I watched the football. It was a tough night for us, but yeah, it was a great day yesterday just to get more energy for this match.”
Alcaraz then compared his two Barcelona Open performances, having beaten both Djere and Quinn in 2025.
“I think I played great tennis, much better than the first round even though I had to come back from 4-2 in the second set,” he said.
“I think he played much better in that second set, but I’m really happy to find that great level again and hopefully keep going.”
The Spaniard was particularly happy to wrap the win up in straight sets, as he now looks ahead to his quarterfinal match.
“As many matches as I can win in straight sets, it’s much better to save energy for my next matches,” said Alcaraz.
Next up for Alcaraz is Australia’s Alex de Minaur, who beat Lucky Loser Jacob Fearnley in his second-round match.
Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur’s head-to-head record
Alcaraz will play De Minaur for a place in the Barcelona Open semi-finals, a man he has beaten on three occasions before.
- 2025 Rotterdam Open F – Carlos Alcaraz beat Alex de Minaur, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2
- 2023 Queen’s F – Carlos Alcaraz beat Alex de Minaur, 6-4, 6-4
- 2022 Barcelona Open F – Carlos Alcaraz beat Alex de Minaur, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4
The pair played out a classic in Barcelona three years ago, as Alcaraz battled past De Minaur in three tight sets on his way to the title.
Alcaraz then took down his countryman Pablo Carreno Busta in the final as he lifted the fourth title of his young career.
| Round | Opponent | Score |
| F | Pablo Carreno Busta | 6-3, 6-2 |
| SF | Alex de Minaur | 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 |
| QF | Stefanos Tsitsipas | 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 |
| 3R | Jaume Munar | 6-3, 6-3 |
| 2R | Kwon Soon-woo | 6-1, 2-6, 6-2 |
The Spaniard defended his title in 2023 before skipping the 2024 edition of the Barcelona Open, which was won by Casper Ruud.
He has now won 12 consecutive matches in Barcelona, last losing at the event four years ago in the first round against Frances Tiafoe.
He’ll no doubt look to extend his winning run to 13 matches when he takes to the court for his quarterfinal match.
Alcaraz will play De Minaur for a place in the semi-finals on Friday, April 18.
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