Carlos Alcaraz produces best display of 2025 so far in Barcelona Open brilliance

Carlos Alcaraz continues to shine on clay, and his performance in Barcelona is adding to the growing belief that he's hitting his stride this season. After lifting the trophy in Monte Carlo, the Spaniard is now eyeing back-to-back titles as he powers through the 2025 Barcelona Open, where he has secured his spot in the quarterfinals.

On Thursday, the 20-year-old faced Laslo Djere in a tricky Round of 16 encounter. While the challenge was expected to be tougher than his tournament opener, Alcaraz showcased even better form, breezing past the Serbian 6-2, 6-4 in just over an hour.

The match got off to a quick start, with Djere holding serve to love. But from that point forward, it was all Alcaraz. The world No. 2 reeled off five straight games, breaking Djere twice and racing to a 5-1 lead. He served out the first set with confidence, closing it 6-2 in just 33 minutes.

Djere responded with more composure in the second set, finding rhythm on his serve and even breaking Alcaraz to take a 4-2 lead. But the momentary surge wasn’t enough to derail the Spaniard’s momentum.

Alcaraz broke back immediately — to love — and leveled the set at 4-4. With the crowd behind him, he broke Djere once more in the following game and held serve to close out the match 6-4.

With the win, Alcaraz moves into the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open 2025, displaying what might be his most complete performance of the year so far.