Carlos Alcaraz shares special words for his team after claiming first indoor title at Rotterdam
Carlos Alcaraz wins his first indoor title of his career at the Rotterdam and his first since the China Open last year.
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Carlos Alcaraz (via X)
Carlos Alcaraz had a perfect debut at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam. He won his first indoor title by defeating Alex de Minaur 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. This victory made him the first Spanish player to win in the tournament’s 52-year history. After the match, he thanked his team for their support, especially since he was not in top shape.
De Minaur put up a strong fight and pushed the match to a deciding set. However, Alcaraz found his rhythm again and secured his 17th tour-level title in one hour and 54 minutes. The 21-year-old showed his strength in tough matches, winning his third three-set battle of the week.
I’d like to continue with my team. Thank you for everything. This week has been a really good week. Coming here with, let’s say, not feeling 100% well with the cold. Every day I felt better and better thanks to you. All the people back home as well, I just want to say thank you. I’m not a guy who says this many times, but I really want to tell you… I love you guys. Thank you for everything you’re doing for me.
Carlos Alcaraz said in his post-match ceremony
Last year, Alcaraz became the first player to win ATP 500 titles on clay, grass, and hard courts. Now, he has added an indoor title to his achievements. He has an impressive record of 17 wins and 5 losses in finals. He also remains unbeaten against De Minaur, leading their head-to-head 3-0.
Carlos Alcaraz thanks his team after becoming the first Spanish man to win Rotterdam:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 9, 2025
“I’d like to continue with my team. Thank you for everything. This week has been a really good week. Coming here with, let’s say, not feeling 100% well with the cold. Every day I felt better… pic.twitter.com/efGTcTtYoO
This victory is a strong start for Alcaraz in 2025. He had lost in the Australian Open quarter-finals to Novak Djokovic last month. Now, he has won his first title since beating Jannik Sinner in Beijing last October. The four-time Grand Slam champion is back to winning ways.
Alex de Minaur continues good start to 2025 despite Carlos Alcaraz loss
Alex de Minaur reached the Rotterdam final for the second year in a row. With this achievement, he will move back to his career-high ranking of No. 6 on Monday (February 9th). The 25-year-old was aiming for his 10th tour-level title but could not stop Carlos Alcaraz’s strong comeback in the final set.
De Minaur’s improved serve played a big role in his success in Rotterdam. Before the final, he had won 97% (35/36) of his service games. However, against Alcaraz, he struggled with the Spaniard’s powerful shots. Alcaraz broke early, lost the lead, but then regained control.
The first set was dominated by Alcaraz from the baseline. In the second set, De Minaur fought back with aggressive shots and smart defense. He put pressure on Alcaraz and even made an impressive backhand pass in the fourth game.
In the final set, Alcaraz took control again. He stayed patient and then won five of the last six games. With this victory, he earned his 17th career title, surpassing his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero’s record of 16.
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Fahad Hamid
(708 Articles Published)