BARCELONA, Spain (AFP) — World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz will defend his title at the Barcelona ATP tournament in April, the organizers announced on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old Spaniard won the clay court event for the first time this year by dispatching compatriot Pablo Carreno in the final.

"Alcaraz is the first player to have confirmed his participation for the next edition of the tournament," the tournament organizers said in a press release.

It was his third of five titles in 2022, with the pinnacle being the US Open.

He ended the year as the world No. 1, the youngest player to claim the top ranking since they began in 1973.

"Carlos Alcaraz is a unique player, with a lot of charisma and who also has fun on the court," tournament director David Ferrer said in a statement.