Carlos Alcaraz explains strange celebration after sealing Barcelona Open final spot

World No.2 celebrated in a strange way after securing his place in the final of the Barcelona Open. The 21-year-old dominated his match with Arthur Fils, winning 6-2 6-4 to set up a final with Holger Rune.

Alcaraz is using the tournament as part of his build-up to his defence in May. He won his home tournament in 2022 and 2023 but missed it last year with an injury. He marked making the final this year in a strange style, pumping both arms before standing, arms outstretched, as if he was balancing on a surfboard.

He then posted the image on social media. He wrote "FINAL!!!!" alongside three surfing emojis and received ample responses from his 847,000 followers on X.

The crowd were in raptures as Alcaraz soaked up his victory. And after his win, he explained the reasoning behind his strange celebration.

"The celebration was for my team," he said. "They tell me every time during the match about a thing that I have to do. It wasn't a dance. But it was something for them."

Alcaraz also outlined his love for the event, explaining: "Since I was a little kid, I watched the final every Sunday. Being in the final again means a lot, in front of my people and my friends who came from Murcia."

However, he insisted he was taking nothing for granted ahead of playing Rune on Sunday, adding: "Let's see if tomorrow we will end the day with the trophy."

Rune secured his spot against Alcaraz with a 6-3 6-2 win over Russia's Karen Khachanov. The victory ensured Rune he will return to the world's top 10 for the first time since April 2024.