World No 3 Carlos Alcaraz is officially up and running for titles in 2025 after securing a hard-fought 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 victory over Alex de Minaur in the intense indoor setting of the Rotterdam Open. The match showcased the resilience and skill of Alcaraz, who broke his Australian opponent twice in the deciding third set after De Minaur had leveled the match in the second set. This win not only reflects Alcaraz’s prowess on the court but also marks a significant milestone in his career.
Claiming the first indoor title of his career, Alcaraz demonstrated his capabilities in a demanding three-set final. Having come off a challenging quarter-final loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open just last month, Alcaraz approached this tournament with determination and skill. He initially won the first set 6-4 but faced a setback when he was broken in his first service game of the second set, allowing De Minaur to level the match at 6-3.
The tension escalated in the final set, where both players showcased their exceptional serving abilities. However, it was in the sixth game that Alcaraz made a pivotal move, breaking De Minaur’s serve to take a critical 4-2 lead. He successfully held his serve in the subsequent game and capitalized on the momentum by breaking De Minaur again, ultimately securing the third set 6-2. This victory not only marked Alcaraz’s first title of the season but also the 17th title of his burgeoning career, coming as a well-deserved win for the reigning champion of Wimbledon and the French Open.
Throughout the tournament, Alcaraz faced tough competition, having already been taken to three sets by world No 84 Botic van de Zandschulp in his opening match and then a challenging semi-final against Hubert Hurkacz. Despite battling the effects of a cold, he expressed his gratitude towards his team for their unwavering support throughout the week. “This week has been a really good week,” Alcaraz stated. “Coming here with, let’s say, not feeling 100 per cent well with the cold, but after every day I’m feeling better and better thanks to you.” His acknowledgment of his team illustrates the collaborative effort often necessary for athletes to achieve success.
On the other side of the net, De Minaur, who has yet to beat Alcaraz in three encounters on tour, was gracious in defeat. During the trophy presentations, he congratulated Alcaraz, saying, “Congratulations, man. Too good again.” He highlighted their long-standing friendship and respect for one another, which adds a personal touch to their competitive encounters. “You’re an incredible person, we have known each other for a very long time, we have always had some fun battles and I enjoyed my time very much on the court today.” His reflections on their matches accentuate the spirit of sportsmanship inherent in tennis.
De Minaur’s defeat in the Rotterdam final also marked the second consecutive runner-up position for the Australian after he lost in straight sets to world No 1 Jannik Sinner the previous year. “It’s been two years now with this runner-up trophy, I’m hoping I get my hand on the winners’ one day!” he declared, underscoring his determination and ambition to rise to the top in future tournaments. The exchange between the two players not only highlights their competitiveness but also reinforces the sense of camaraderie that exists within the sport.
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