World no. 18 Alex de Minaur booked a place in his 18th ATP final in Rotterdam. The Aussie made back-to-back titles clashes at the prestigious ATP 500 event. He lost last year’s final to Jannik Sinner and will try to turn the tables versus Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final.
De Minaur faced a qualifier, Mattia Bellucci, in the semi-final and earned a dominant 6-1, 6-2 triumph in 67 minutes. The 3rd seed served at only 41%! However, no one could notice that after he dropped 12 points in eight service games.
Alex de Minaur, Rotterdam 2025© Stream screenshot
Alex faced no break points and mounted the pressure on the other side. Bellucci scored a couple of notable wins en route to the last four but stood no chance against last year’s finalist. The Italian served at 53% and struggled behind the second serve.
He faced four break points and failed to defend any, dropping serve two times in each set and ending his campaign in the semi-final.
Mattia Bellucci hits an INSANE shot against Alex de Minaur in Rotterdam.
Front-facing tweener winner.
Totally unnecessary, but I absolutely love it.
Playing to entertain.
This guy has so much flair. 🇮🇹🪄
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 8, 2025
Alex landed 12 winners and 18 unforced errors. He had the upper hand from the baseline and welcomed 30 unforced errors from the lower-ranked rival. The Aussie made a reliable start and overpowered the Italian on serve and return.
Bellucci squandered two game points in the second game of the clash. He hit a double fault on a break point to lose serve and fall 2-0 behind. De Minaur held at love for 3-0 and made another push on the return in game six. Alex landed a volley winner to clinch a break and move 5-1 in front.
Alex de Minaur & Mattai Bellucci, Rotterdam 2025© Stream screenshot
The 3rd seed served for the opener in game seven and painted a forehand down the line winner, wrapping up the first part of the duel in 32 minutes. Alex controlled the pace in his games in the second set and maintained the pressure on the other side.
A left-hander squandered a game point at 1-1 and suffered a break when his forehand landed long. Mattia played another loose service game at 1-3. He placed a forehand long to drop serve and find himself further behind.
Alex grabbed the sixth game with a service winner and served for the win at 5-2. The Aussie held at 30 to move over the top in style and arrange the title clash versus Carlos Alcaraz.
Tennis World USA