World no. 3 Carlos Alcaraz is making a breakthrough at the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam, at least on an indoor court! The Spaniard struggled to find his A-game under a roof in the past, reaching a couple of semi-finals on the big scene but missing the title chase thrills.
Carlos changed that in Rotterdam, ousting four rivals and battling for the title against Alex de Minaur. The four-time Major winner is enjoying his first visit to Rotterdam, feeling the positive vibes from the stands and feeling at home.
The Spaniard took down his compatriot Pedro Martinez in the quarter-final. He faced Hubert Hurkacz in the semi-final and prevailed 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 in two hours and 20 minutes.
Carlos Alcaraz hits a RIDICULOUS shot in Rotterdam.
Behind the back lob?!?! 🤯🤯🤯
Followed up by a down the line winner.
Classic Carlitos smile to top it off.
This guy is special.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 6, 2025
Carlos had to work hard to topple a challenging opponent. He liked his performance and how he maintained a high level and energy after dropping the second set. Alcaraz made a slow start and recovered, moving over the top and showing everyone he could perform well with a roof above his head.
The Spaniard denied five of six break points and provided three breaks to remain on the title course. He tamed his strokes nicely and overpowered Hurkacz from the baseline. The young gun was off to a terrible start, trailing 4-1, 40-0!
Carlos Alcaraz, Rotterdam 2025© Stream screenshot
Hubert clinched a break at love in game two and provided three fine holds for a 4-1 advantage. Carlos saved a break point in the fourth game and faced more issues two games later. World no. 3 denied three break points and produced a hold that kept him in touch.
Hurkacz missed his chances in the seventh game and lost momentum. He squandered game points and got broken after Alcaraz’s smash winner. Carlos held for 4-4 and stepped in on the return in the next one, creating four break points.
He seized the fourth after the Pole’s double fault, extending his streak and moving 5-4 in front. Alcaraz saved a break point in the tenth game and landed a forehand drive-volley winner on a set point for 6-4 in 49 minutes.
Carlos Alcaraz, Rotterdam 2025© Stream screenshot
Hubert denied three break points at the beginning of the second set. Those were the only chances for the returners, with the two rivals introducing a tie break. They served well for 4-4 before Carlos drew Hubert’s mistake to open a 5-4 gap.
Hurkacz maintained his focus and pulled the mini-break back in the tenth point after the rival’s costly double fault. The Pole grabbed another mini-break for a 6-5 lead. He wrapped up the set after the Spaniard’s backhand error, forcing a decider after an hour and 45 minutes.
Alcaraz made a fresh start and produced fine serving in the third set. He secured a break at love in the second game with a drop shot winner. World no. 3 held at 15 in the third game, moving closer to the top. He served for the win at 5-3.
Carlos Alcaraz, Rotterdam 2025© Stream screenshot
Carlos earned a match point and seized it with a forehand down the line winner, reaching his 22nd ATP final and the first on an indoor surface.
“I maintained the intensity and energy after dropping the second set, which makes me happy. I had difficult moments like at 4-1, 40-0 down in the first set. Hubert’s start impressed me, but I recovered and played at a high level. I fought and waited for my moment.
I’m playing in Rotterdam for the first time and have received massive support. It makes me feel like playing at home. The Spanish players have never won here, which motivates me even more to chase the title.
It’s my first indoor final, a special moment for me after all the talks about my performance on this surface. I have shown I can play well in these conditions,” Carlos Alcaraz said.
Tennis World USA