Carlos Alcaraz has etched his name in history by clinching the Rotterdam Open title, marking his first indoor hardcourt victory. This triumph not only represents his debut success but also makes him the first player in 21 years to win the tournament on a debut. Alcaraz's exceptional performance concluded in an hour and 54 minutes, showcasing his resilience through multiple three-set matches. In the semifinals, he overcame Hubert Hurkacz, bolstering his path to victory. This win brings Alcaraz's ATP Tour titles to 17, surpassing the record of fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero, and crowns him as the first Spanish champion in the tournament's 52-year history.
Alcaraz's path to victory was marked by moments of brilliance and challenge. In the final, he secured an early break of serve but faced adversity when he dropped his own service game to love at 4-3. However, Alcaraz's determination shone through as he delivered a superb passing shot, regaining momentum. The first set concluded with de Minaur netting a return, sealing Alcaraz's lead. Despite not feeling at his best at the beginning of the week due to a cold, Alcaraz felt "better and better" as the tournament progressed.
"I knew that I (could) play really good tennis on indoor courts, it was just about time," Carlos Alcaraz expressed after his victory.
This victory is particularly significant as Alcaraz navigated the unfamiliar terrain of indoor courts with limited experience. His adaptability and skill improvement were evident as he capitalized on the opportunity to showcase his talent on this new stage.
“I had not too much experience playing on indoor courts. There are a lot of players who play better tennis on indoor courts than me, but I am improving and it’s a really important week.” – Carlos Alcaraz reflected on his journey.
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