The match did not go as easily as the score difference showed. Right from the first set, Virtanen - the player who had to play from the qualifying round - confidently entered the game and at many times put significant pressure on Alcaraz. The Finnish player even had solid serve games, making the No. 1 seed struggle to maintain the advantage.
The turning point of set 1 came in the 10th game when Alcaraz successfully took an important break opportunity to close the set with a 6-4 victory. Before that, the Spanish player also had to ask for medical attention due to a problem in his wrist, raising many concerns about his physical condition.
In set 2, Alcaraz quickly regained his familiar playing rhythm. He soon broke the opponent's serve game, controlled the game with powerful forehands and accurate ball control. Despite losing one serve game at one point, the home player still maintained stability to win 6-2, thereby closing the match after two sets.
This victory helps Alcaraz relieve some pressure after the defeat in the Monte Carlo Masters final against Jannik Sinner not long ago, while maintaining hope of competing for titles on their forte clay court.
In the next round, Alcaraz will face Tomas Machac - a challenge considered more difficult as the tournament enters a more fierce competitive phase.
With home advantage and experience of having won this tournament twice, Alcaraz continues to be considered a top candidate for the Barcelona Open 2026 championship.
