Alcaraz Edges Van de Zandschulp in Thrilling Rotterdam Opener

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Carlos Alcaraz overcame a tough challenge from Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in his opening match at the ATP 500 Rotterdam tournament on Tuesday, securing a hard-fought 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory. The world No. 3, playing his first match since the Australian Open, showcased resilience and skill to advance to the second round.

Alcaraz, who arrived in Rotterdam with limited preparation due to a recent cold, started cautiously but found his rhythm as the match progressed. The first set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve until the tiebreak. Alcaraz dominated the tiebreak, clinching it 7-3 with a series of precise shots and aggressive play.

“It was a tough match, especially in the first set,” Alcaraz said after the match. “Botic is a great player, and I knew I had to be at my best to win. I’m happy with how I handled the pressure.”

Van de Zandschulp, ranked 84th in the world, pushed Alcaraz throughout the match, particularly in the second set. The Dutchman broke Alcaraz early but was unable to maintain his advantage as the Spaniard broke back and eventually closed out the match with a decisive break in the final game.

“I had my chances, but Carlos was just too good in the key moments,” Van de Zandschulp said. “He’s one of the best in the world, and it’s always a challenge to play against him.”

Alcaraz, who is making his debut in Rotterdam, will face the winner of the match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Andrea Vavassori in the next round. The 20-year-old Spaniard is looking to build momentum after a quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open, where he lost to Novak Djokovic.

“I’m feeling good physically and mentally,” Alcaraz added. “I’m excited to keep playing and see how far I can go in this tournament.”