Carlos Alcaraz achieved a significant milestone by securing his first indoor hardcourt title at the Rotterdam Open, marking a new chapter in his tennis career.
In a thrilling match against Alex de Minaur, Alcaraz emerged victorious with scores of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. This win not only added to his growing collection of titles across various surfaces but also marked him as the first Spanish player to win the tournament in its 52-year history. Additionally, he surpassed his mentor and compatriot, Juan Carlos Ferrero, with his 17th ATP Tour title.
Alcaraz expressed his confidence in his abilities on indoor courts, despite his limited experience. “I knew that I could play really good tennis on indoor courts, it was just about time,” Alcaraz remarked in an ATP interview. Despite facing many opponents who excel on this surface, Alcaraz viewed the week as an important step in his development, overcoming challenges presented by a persistent cold.
The young Spaniard wore a nasal strip during the tournament to aid his breathing and endured three-set matches on multiple occasions, including a tense semifinal against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. Against de Minaur, who was elevated to No. 6 in the world rankings after their match, Alcaraz secured an early break but momentarily lost his service game. However, he quickly regained composure, wrapping up the first set effectively.
De Minaur responded by dominating the early stages of the second set, but Alcaraz regained momentum in the decisive third set. Alcaraz’s victory was sealed with deft play and strategic breaks, concluding the match in just under two hours.
Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz noted that he did not start the week at full health due to his cold but improved significantly as the tournament progressed. Meanwhile, de Minaur, who had not dropped a set until the final, faced a second consecutive runner-up finish at Rotterdam, following last year’s defeat to Jannik Sinner.
Carlos Alcaraz’s triumph at the Rotterdam Open not only signifies his adaptability across different surfaces but also showcases his resilience and growth as a player. As he continues to build on his young career, his determination and skill remain evident, promising further accomplishments in the future.
