Madrid Open 2023: Birthday boy Carlos Alcaraz battles past Borna Coric to reach final and continue title defence

Carlos Alcaraz’s barnstorming Madrid Open title defence continued as he dispatched Borna Coric 6-4 6-3 to celebrate his 20th birthday by returning to the final. The Spaniard found the only break midway through an intense opening set where both players showcased dazzling speed and execution in a series of entertaining rallies.

Ad He then broke the Croatian’s serve three times to take the second set, before being presented on court with a giant tennis ball birthday cake. Tennis‘I don't see weaknesses’ — Rune tipped to break into tennis’ new big threeA DAY AGO The reigning Madrid champion will face Jan-Lennard Struff or Aslan Karatsev in the final as he searches for his fourth title of the season following victories in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells and Barcelona.

Alcaraz will go into that match as a huge favourite after dropping just one set on his way to the decider – his opening set of the tournament against Emil Ruusuvori – as he builds towards a tilt at the Roland Garros crown. The 20-year-old's record on home soil is another daunting prospect for his rivals; he has now won 20 consecutive ATP Tour matches in Spain.

The Queen of Clay, stuttering Tsitsipas, Zhang fairytale over — 3 takeaways from Madrid ‘I don't see weaknesses’ — Rune tipped to break into tennis’ new big three Sabalenka charges into Madrid final, declares she wants 'revenge' against Swiatek The hats were out in force in the stands as the baking heat of the afternoon sun bared down on the fans, but there was no sign of any hot weather doziness from the players as the match got off to a ferocious start. Alcaraz applied immediate pressure in the opening game by setting up two break points, but both were saved by Coric.