Carlos Alcaraz reveals ‘extra motivation’ for Rotterdam Open final as he could join Rafael Nadal in ‘this’ list
World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz will etch his name in history books if he beats Alex de Minaur in the Rotterdam Open final.
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Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz (Images via X)
Carlos Alcaraz is bidding to win his first indoor hard-court title at the Rotterdam Open. The Spaniard made his debut in the tournament and reached the final after overcoming Hubert Hurkacz in the semifinal.
Alcaraz is chasing his first title of the season after he failed to complete the Career Grand Slam because of his four-set defeat to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. The first seed at the Rotterdam Open is set to lock horns with 3rd seed Alex de Minaur in the summit clash.
Alcaraz will script history if he wins the title as he will become the first Spanish man to lift the trophy in Rotterdam. He will also join his idol Rafael Nadal who won just one indoor hard-court tournament in his career.
I think it’s an extra motivation for me. Knowing that no Spanish tennis player has ever won here pushes me to give my all in the final. I didn’t know about Rafa. We’ll see.
Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference
The only indoor hard-court title Nadal had bagged was the 2005 Madrid Masters. The tricky conditions of the indoor hard courts at the ATP Finals also troubled him throughout his career as he never won the title. The 38-year-old called time on his illustrious career at the 2024 Davis Cup.
Rick Macci reveals how Carlos Alcaraz can win 10 or more Majors
In January, Carlos Alcaraz was aiming to be the youngest man to accomplish the Career Grand Slam. And though he failed to achieve it, he still has a chance to surpass Rafael Nadal.
The youngster lifted his first Major at the 2022 US Open, followed by his victory at the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon, and the 2024 French Open. He is tipped to win 10 or more Grand Slam titles and Serena Williams‘ former coach Rick Macci explained what he thinks Alcaraz should do to achieve more in his career.
Carlos is the most gifted player on tour. He has all the shots. He runs like a deer and has no fear. When he locks in a little more and puts more returns back in Play Double Figure Grand Slams will come his Way.
Rick Macci wrote on X
Check out his post here:
Carlos is the most gifted player on tour. He has all the shots. He runs like a deer and has no fear. When he locks in a little more and puts more returns back in Play Double Figure Grand Slams will come his Way. @carlosalcaraz
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) February 4, 2025
Alcaraz has faced his Rotterdam Open final opponent Alex de Minaur twice and won both the matches at the 2022 Barcelona Open and the 2023 Queen’s Club Championships. The Aussie too is searching for his first title of the season as he was defeated by eventual winner Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open quarterfinal.
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Gouri Das
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