Carlos Alcaraz and Hubert Hurkacz are set to collide in what promises to be the headline semifinal match at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam on Saturday. Both players aim for victory to secure their place in the finals, facing either Alex de Minaur or Mattia Bellucci on Sunday afternoon.
This will mark the fourth encounter between Alcaraz, the top seed, and Hurkacz, the eighth seed, each with Alcaraz having emerged victorious from their previous three matches. Their record showcases Alcaraz’s consistent edge, winning each match with narrow margins: 7-6(5), 7-6(2) at the 2022 Miami Open, 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(3) at the 2023 Toronto Masters, and 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-3 at the 2023 Cincinnati semifinals. Yet, with the move to indoor hard courts at Rotterdam, Hurkacz finds himself with the perfect setup to challenge Alcaraz’s supremacy.
Hurkacz, currently ranked world No. 21, has displayed superb form this week. He progressed through the tournament without dropped sets, mirroring his strong performance against players such as Flavio Cobolli and Jiri Lehecka, where he capitalized on the fast indoor conditions. Alcaraz, on the other hand, faced some challenges but maintained focus, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp, Andrea Vavassori, and Pedro Martinez. While Alcaraz holds 16 ATP titles, none have been won on indoor hard courts, adding another layer of intrigue for this semifinal.
Reflecting on his quarterfinal match against Pedro Martinez, which he won impressively with scores of 6-2, 6-1, Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his performance. "I'm really happy with my performance today. I think I played at a really high level. No ups and downs in the match, which is something I’m really focused on," he stated post-match, retaining confidence as he heads toward the semifinal.
Hurkacz reached this stage after defeating fourth-seeded Andrey Rublev, coming from behind to win 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4. He acknowledged the significance of this semifinal, especially as this is his first without partner Iga Swiatek, saying, "It feels good to be doing well. It’s exciting to be back competing strongly and aiming for titles." He is determined to utilize the strategies enhanced by his coaching partnership with former Olympic champion Nicolás Massú.
Hurkacz’s momentum against top players, including upsets against legends such as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, underlines his potential to pull off another surprise against Alcaraz. The Polish athlete is eager to shift the narrative of their past meetings: "The past is behind me. This is the day we play. Anything can happen, especially on indoor courts where serve and return play are key. I feel ready to put up the fight," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz continues to demonstrate strong court presence. His recent upgrades to his racket, opting for something heavier, have added more power to his shots, which he feels enhances his game significantly. He mentioned, "I changed the weight of the racket just a bit. It generates more power, so I can hit with more intensity. I’m feeling good physically, and I’m ready for any challenge."
This semifinal not only serves as a step toward the ATP title but also reflects each player's ambitions to not just win but also solidify their standings this season.
On the other half of the draw, Alex de Minaur faces Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci. De Minaur, coming off an impressive year, remains undefeated this season and seems primed for another strong showing. He stated, "I'm excited to have made it this far. I'm just focusing on my game, making sure I play my best each match." Bellucci's stunning run, which included victories over higher-ranked players, adds to the drama of the tournament, setting the stage for what could be exhilarating finals.
With anticipation mounting for the semifinal matches, fans and analysts are eagerly awaiting how the action will unfurl within the Ahoy Rotterdam, where every point could prove pivotal. The battle between Alcaraz and Hurkacz is particularly facetious; both recognize the stakes and the opportunity it presents as they aim for the final of one of the year’s prominent ATP events.
Overall, both semifinal matches promise to deliver exceptional tennis, with intense rivalries and stories shaping up to create unforgettable moments on the ATP tour this week. The enthusiasm surrounding this weekend is palpable, particularly with the top-ranking players vying for supremacy on the indoor hardwood surface, where every strike and serve can tip the balance of the match.