Carlos Alcaraz began his campaign at the ABN AMRO Open with a thrilling victory over Dutch wildcard Botic van de Zandschulp, winning 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 6-1. This match, held on February 4, 2025, marked the third win for Alcaraz against Van de Zandschulp, avenging his earlier loss at the 2024 US Open, where he was eliminated by the same player.
Things weren’t easy for the world number three at the outset; Alcaraz faced early challenges after being broken by his opponent. He responded well, breaking back to take the first set after an intense tie-break, which lasted just over one hour. Despite battling early inconsistencies—five double faults and 40 unforced errors during the match—he displayed fierce determination to break away decisively in the third set.
Alcaraz's first set against Van de Zandschulp had its share of drama. With Van de Zandschulp leading at 5-3, the Spaniard seemed on the verge of dropping the set. Yet, showcasing his characteristic resilience, he fought back hard, converting the tie-break 7-3 to secure the set. Alcaraz remarked, “I think it was a lot of ups and downs in the match.” His tenacity shone through, allowing him to level the match.
While he started strongly, the second set saw Van de Zandschulp take control after breaking Alcaraz’s serve once again, eventually closing out the set 6-3. This moment marked Alcaraz as frustrated; it led observers to engage with the match even more, fueling anticipation for the final set.
Emerging from the second set's disappointment, Alcaraz commenced the third set with renewed vigor. Quickly establishing a commanding 3-0 lead, his superb forehand play dictated the pace. Alcaraz’s intensity surged, leading to another break of Van de Zandschulp’s serve, showcasing his ability to adapt and recover from setbacks.
At 4-1, with all momentum on his side, Alcaraz closed the match confidently with another break, finally winning the set emphatically at 6-1. The entire contest lasted approximately two hours and 32 minutes.
Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz expressed, “Botic played a really solid match.” This acknowledgment highlights respect for his opponent’s efforts and strategy throughout the match, enhancing Alcaraz's standing as both a competitor and sportsman.
The victory is especially significant for Alcaraz, not only as it provides him momentum after his quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open last month but also prepares him for the next round against either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Andrea Vavassori. This tournament serves as another pivotal point for the young Spaniard as he strives to capitalize on his talent and experience.
Alongside Alcaraz, fellow players Andrey Rublev and Alex de Minaur also progressed to the last 16, showcasing the competitive spirit at the event.
While his victory was sweet, the match revealed areas for improvement. Experts noted the high volume of unforced errors, and it’s clear Alcaraz will need to tighten his service game moving forward. Notably, his performance showed glimpses of brilliance mixed with strategic errors—an all too common narrative for players adjusting post-defeats.
Alcaraz’s next challenge will be fundamental as he looks to regain his championship form, particularly with his ambition of making more substantial runs indoors—a feat he has not yet achieved. The Rotterdam Open provides the perfect backdrop for this growth, as the players face varied conditions during matches.
The ABN AMRO Open, recognized as part of the ATP 500 events, holds significant standings and is heavily followed by tennis enthusiasts worldwide. Alcaraz's ability to rebound strategically against Van de Zandschulp may serve as important fuel as he heads against tough challengers and aims for subsequent matches this season.
This match not only reestablishes Alcaraz’s resilience but also cements his status as one of the key players to watch this season, as he could be eyeing more titles and higher placements as the year progresses. With his history against strong opponents like Djokovic and his determination on the court, fans will keep their eyes glued to future matches where Alcaraz digs deep, balances aggression, and hones his craft toward championships.