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Carlos Alcaraz Overcomes Early Struggles to Win Rotterdam Opener

The World No. 3 battled through a three-set match against Botic van de Zandschulp, raising questions about his form and consistency in the 2025 season.

Tennis - Davis Cup - Qualifiers - First Round - Sweden v Australia - The Royal Tennis Hall, Stockholm, Sweden - January 31, 2025 Australia's Alex de Minaur in action during his match against Sweden's Mikael Ymer Jonas Ekstromer/TT News Agency via REUTERS/File Photo
Jan 21, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Tommy Paul of United States of America plays a backhand during his match against Alexander Zverev of Germany in the quarterfinals of the men's singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images/File Photo
Jan 21, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in action during his match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the quarterfinals of the men's singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • Carlos Alcaraz defeated Dutch wildcard Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-1 in the first round of the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam.
  • The match marked Alcaraz’s first appearance since his Australian Open quarterfinal loss to Novak Djokovic, where his form was also under scrutiny.
  • Critics, including former ATP pro Nicolas Escudé, noted Alcaraz’s uncharacteristic errors, static movement, and struggles to impose his aggressive baseline game.
  • Alcaraz attributed some challenges to adapting to varying conditions and tennis balls on the ATP Tour, a concern echoed by other players like Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev.
  • Despite the win, Alcaraz acknowledged the need for improvement as he aims to claim his first indoor title and progress further in the tournament.