Carlos Alcaraz Wins Rotterdam Open, Surpasses Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in ATP Titles
Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first title of the 2025 season over the weekend, winning the Rotterdam Open and making history as the first Spaniard to lift the trophy in the tournament’s 52-year history.
The World No. 3 defeated Alex de Minaur in the final of the ATP 500 event, marking his first indoor title—a milestone that even his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, never achieved.
Alcaraz’s ‘Feud’ With Ferrero Continues
Ferrero, who finished as runner-up in Rotterdam in 2004, was not present at this year’s tournament, with Samuel López stepping in to accompany Alcaraz.
After his historic victory, Alcaraz jokingly referenced his friendly rivalry with Ferrero, saying:
“I am very happy to be the first Spaniard to win here and to have beaten Juan Carlos, with whom we always have a feud.”
“In general, I am very satisfied to have put my name alongside the winners of this tournament, where there are great legends of our sport who have played and won it.”
The Rotterdam Open boasts a prestigious list of former champions, including Roger Federer (3 titles), Arthur Ashe (3 titles), Stefan Edberg, and Jimmy Connors.
Surpassing Ferrero in Career Titles
With this win, Alcaraz now has 17 career ATP Tour titles, officially surpassing Ferrero’s total of 16.
The 21-year-old also moved into a tie with Alex Corretja for ATP titles won by a Spanish player in the Open Era. The next milestones ahead of him include:
- Carlos Moya (20 titles)
- David Ferrer (27 titles)
- Manuel Orantes (36 titles)
- Rafael Nadal (92 titles) – the undisputed leader
Alcaraz’s Growing Indoor Game
Before Rotterdam, Alcaraz had a 25-12 record in indoor events, but his title run improved that to 30-12.
“I think it’s [a matter of] time that I’ll get into the top of the rankings of players on indoor courts, I’m sure about it,” Alcaraz said.
He acknowledged that his serve remains a key area for improvement:
“I have to improve a few things that I was working on, the serve is one of them, I think everybody knows that.”
“I’m not hiding the fact that the players who have big serves and big shots from the baseline are also dangerous, but I think I will reach that level for sure.”
What’s Next for Alcaraz?
With his first indoor title secured and his first ATP 500 title since 2023, Alcaraz will look to build momentum heading into the Sunshine Swing, where he will compete in Indian Wells and Miami—tournaments where he has already enjoyed success in the past.
At just 21 years old, Alcaraz continues to break records and evolve his game, proving that he is on track to become one of the sport’s greats.
