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Carlos Alcaraz lifted his seventh ATP title in Buenos Aires, making a perfect return after missing almost four months. Carlos defeated Cameron Norrie 6-3, 7-5 in an hour and 33 minutes for his first ATP trophy since the last year's US Open.
World no. 2 lost only one set in four encounters, playing well after a long break and returning to the winning circle. Carlos had the upper hand from the middle of the opening set, playing at a high level and looking good to seal the deal after moving 5-2 up in set number two.
The Spaniard got broken while serving for the victory in game nine before moving over the top with a late break at 6-5. Carlos defended the second serve more efficiently and got broken once. He stole the rival's serve four times to control the pace and seal the deal in straight sets.
Carlos Alcaraz secured his seventh ATP title in Buenos Aires.
Both players found the rhythm in their service games from the opening game and produced six comfortable holds for 3-3. Norrie held in the encounter's first game with a service winner, and Alcaraz landed a drop shot winner in game two for 1-1.
Cameron closed the third game with a drop shot winner, and Carlos responded with a service winner in the next one for 2-2. The Spaniard broke with a forced error in the seventh game and delivered another break at 5-3 to wrap up the opener and gain a boost.
Carlos grabbed the third consecutive break in the second set's second game to move closer to the finish line. The Spaniard served well and forged a 4-1 advantage with a service winner in game five. Alcaraz moved 5-2 up with another unreturned serve, leaving Norrie to serve to stay in the match.
The Briton held at love in game eight and made one last push on the return in the next one. Carlos served for the victory in game nine and hit a double fault to lose serve in the worst possible moment. Cameron leveled the score at 5-5 and served to prolong the duel in game 12.
Carlos survived the rival's game point and converted a match point with a drop shot winner to celebrate his seventh ATP title and the fist in five months.