Carlos Alcaraz got his revenge against Botic van de Zandschulp in Rotterdam, overcoming the Dutch player who had previously handed him one of the most shocking defeats of his career at the US Open the previous year.
After a whirlwind European summer where Alcaraz clinched the French Open and Wimbledon, and made it to the Olympic final, he was visibly exhausted and lost to Van de Zandschulp in New York.
Seeing Van de Zandschulp’s name in the first round draw at Rotterdam must have given Alcaraz a moment of pause. However, this time, there was no upset; Alcaraz won 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-1, though the tight scoreline in the first two sets showed that Van de Zandschulp remains a formidable opponent for the world No. 3.
Post-match, Alcaraz confessed to feeling nervous before the encounter and noted that it took some time for him to adjust to playing indoors, marking his first indoor match of 2025.
“I think there were a lot of ups and downs in the match,” Alcaraz said.
“It was different, it’s totally different when you’re competing than in the practices.
“I started really nervous, I think it’s normal. The first match in every tournament is never easy. I just had to get used to my first match here in Rotterdam.
“You have to get used to playing with a full crowd, it’s totally different. I’m just happy to get used to it.”
“Being set point down in the first set, I think Botic played a really solid match. Not too many ups and downs for him, really consistent throughout the match. I’m just really happy to get through.
“I had to be really focused in the tough moments, to keep pushing and trust the good tennis will come again. I’m happy to get through a difficult match and have a chance to get better in the next round.”
Carlos Alcaraz admitting to feeling nervous before his match against Botic van de Zandschulp underscores the pressure this young star can mask once he steps onto the court.
Despite being only 21, Alcaraz displays the poise of a seasoned pro. His performance against Van de Zandschulp wasn’t his most fluid, but it was effective enough to secure the victory.
His form might have been influenced by a cold he contracted after coming back from the Australian Open, where he was knocked out in the quarter-finals by a brilliant Novak Djokovic.
“I spent a few days at home after Australia, but I got a cold,” said Alcaraz prior to his opening match in Rotterdam. “I was struggling a little bit at home. I could only train for two days and then I had to rest until the cold got better.
“But spending time at home, it doesn’t matter if you are sick, it is always great, having your family there. It allows you to be fresh mentally, to travel again.”
The black tape on Carlos Alcaraz’s nose during the match can be attributed to his nasal issues, which seem to be recurring, having also affected him at the previous year’s ATP Finals.
