Carlos Alcaraz sets up "spicy" Stefanos Tsitsipas rematch in Barcelona final

WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Dan Evans in the 2023 Barcelona Open semifinals

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returned to the final of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell after seeing off Daniel Evans 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday.

Alcaraz needed one hour and 20 minutes to ease past his English opponent, and sealed the victory when he blasted a return under Evans' racquet as he made an approach.

“It’s so special to play a final here in Barcelona, a tournament that I love playing,” Alcaraz said afterward. “I came to watch this tournament when I was really young and I played for this club when I was 11 or 12. I love this club, I love this tournament, and it’s so special to have the chance to lift the trophy here again.”

The world No. 2 will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday's final, after the Greek player advanced by beating Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 on the outdoor clay court.

Alcaraz leads the head-to-head against Tsitsipas 3-0, including a three-set victory in the Barcelona quarterfinals last year.

“I feel really comfortable playing here in Barcelona and I'm playing well,” the Spaniard said. “Stefanos as well is playing great matches.

"Last year we had a 'spicy' match, let’s say. I know he’s a really nice guy off the court, so I’m going to try to forget everything that has happened in the matches before, try to focus on my game tomorrow, and try to get the win.”

Alcaraz, last year's US Open champion, will be seeking his ninth career title and third of the year after triumphing in Buenos Aires and Indian Wells.

Tsitsipas, a finalist at 2021 Roland Garros, reached his third final in Barcelona after also reaching this stage in 2018 and 2021. The Greek player extended his win-loss record in Barcelona to 16-4 after clinching a two-and-a-half hour semifinal against Musetti.

“It was very physical out there,” he said afterward. “We had to cover lots of meters on the court and he had some incredible defensive shots that I really didn’t expect at all. It was such a mental challenge, I had to go out there and fight it all through with the determination of a lion, and just go out there to do the best I can.

“He’s a very difficult challenge, especially on this court, so it required a little bit more today.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.