Carlos Alcaraz calls for a ‘change’ on the ATP circuit with increasing injuries to players
Carlos Alcaraz took his revenge with a hard-fought victory over Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening round of Rotterdam Open.
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Carlos Alcaraz at Rotterdam Open 2025 (via X)
After a reasonably decent outing at the Australian Open 2025, Carlos Alcaraz moved on to his next tournament of the season, making his debut at the ABN AMRO Open 2025. This tournament is being held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from 3-9 February. Previously, Alcaraz had made it to his second quarterfinal at the Australian Open this year, where he eventually lost to Novak Djokovic in what was perhaps the most exciting match of the men’s draw at the tournament.
After a hard-fought victory in the opening round at Rotterdam, the 21-year-old spoke to Punto De Break. He analyzed the match and discussed topics like the balls on the circuit, not having his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero by his side, and how he feels for the first time in the Dutch city.
I think last year there were many injuries, many players with elbow or shoulder issues. Something needs to change. I know they will change it. Every week, practically every week, we have different balls, different conditions, so it’s complicated to adapt to them…I had good training to adapt, but it was tough. New balls, everything seems to move very fast… and after two or three exchanges, the ball becomes very big, and it’s a bit difficult to play aggressively with them. Still, I don’t want to complain about it, I feel that even so, you can show a good level of tennis.
Carlos Alcaraz via Punto De Break
Carlos Alcaraz took his revenge on Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the Round of 32 at the ABN AMRO Open 2025, defeating him 7(7)- 6(3), 3-6, 6-1. Prior to this meeting, van de Zandschulp had defeated Alcaraz in straight sets at the second round of the US Open 2024. However, his first match at Rotterdam was not an easy one for the Spaniard.
Carlos Alcaraz struggled to find his range throughout this tough match. It seemed as if Botic van de Zandschulp was going to capitalise on an error-strewn performance from Alcaraz, who hit 40 unforced errors in the first two sets.
However, in the decider set, the Dutchman made some double faults, serving two in his opening service game as Alcaraz raced to a 3-0 lead. From there, the Spaniard produced some good shot-making, regaining his composure to steer through a dominant final set and emerge triumphant.
Carlos Alcaraz describes his first time at Rotterdam as special
Speaking about his first match, Carlos Alcaraz acknowledged that he knew there would be tough moments because the first round of a new tournament is never easy. He believed Botic van de Zandschulp, with the home crowd on his side, would raise his game to a very high level. The World No. 3 expressed his happiness in overcoming this very difficult match and to have the chance to keep improving in the next round.
Alcaraz described his first time in Rotterdam as special and expressed how pleased he was with what he achieved today. When asked about what was the key to the match after losing the second set, Alcaraz replied that the key was to stay there and stay focused on the match. He further added that he faced break points against him and had to be very focused and trusted himself.
Despite boasting 16 tour-level titles, Alcaraz is yet to clinch a championship title indoors. He will continue his Rotterdam Open campaign against qualifier Andrea Vavassori or Felix Auger-Aliassime in the next round.
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Lakshya Chopra
(2625 Articles Published)