Carlos Alcaraz Rediscovers Top Form, Sets Up All-Spanish Quarterfinal in Rotterdam
After a shaky start in his Rotterdam opener against Botic van de Zandschulp, Carlos Alcaraz bounced back in dominant fashion, producing his best tennis against Andrea Vavassori in the round of 16.
The 29-year-old Italian, primarily a doubles specialist, had troubled Alcaraz in their only previous meeting on the clay of Buenos Aires last year. However, this time, the world No. 3 was locked in from the very first point, determined to avoid complications. The four-time Grand Slam champion raced to a straight-sets victory, reinforcing his title ambitions in Rotterdam.
A Jaw-Dropping Moment of Brilliance
During the match, Alcaraz left fans in awe by winning a sensational point, showcasing his incredible skillset. The rally, which blended agility, creativity, and power, is already being hailed as one of the best of the 2025 season.
Alcaraz Focused on Mental Strength and Serve Improvement
Speaking at his post-match press conference, the 21-year-old Spaniard emphasized his ongoing mental development:
“I’m working hard on maintaining focus for longer stretches, and I feel I’m improving. In my first match here, I had too many ups and downs, but today, it was much better.”
Alcaraz also highlighted his progress on serve, a key area of focus during his off-season training:
“I’ve been putting a lot of effort into my serve, and I knew the results wouldn’t come immediately. My goal is to earn more free points with it. It’s still not at the level I want, but patience is key. As a tournament progresses, the serve becomes even more crucial for conserving energy.”
Spanish Quarterfinal Clash Awaits
Many expected a quarterfinal showdown between Alcaraz and Holger Rune, but the Danish star, struggling with flu symptoms, was eliminated by Pedro Martinez in straight sets.
As a result, Rotterdam will witness an all-Spanish quarterfinal, as Alcaraz prepares to face Martinez in his quest for the ATP 500 title.
