Carlos Alcaraz is proving to be an unstoppable force at the 2025 Rotterdam Open, cruising to the semifinals with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory over fellow Spaniard Pedro Martinez. The four-time Grand Slam champion is now just one win away from his first-ever indoor ATP final, a milestone that's eluded him throughout his career.
This year, Alcaraz opted to skip the South American clay-court swing, traditionally played at the Argentina Open and Rio Open, to focus on indoor hard courts—a decision that's already paying dividends. This strategic shift highlights Alcaraz's determination to assert dominance beyond clay and outdoor play. With plans to compete at the Qatar Open next week, he’s preparing to expand his success across all surfaces.
Since his debut at the Rotterdam Open, Alcaraz has steamrolled through the competition. After narrowly defeating home favorite Botic van de Zandschulp, he won his second-round match against Andrea Vavassori with ease, dropping only three games. Again, against Martinez, Alcaraz showcased his exceptional skills, firing winners at will and controlling rallies from the baseline without facing any break points. "I felt great on the court today," Alcaraz remarked post-match. "I’m getting more comfortable with the conditions, and I’m happy with my level."
The match with Martinez, which lasted just 71 minutes, was characterized by Alcaraz's relentless aggression. He outmatched Martinez from the start, amassing 17 winners and maintaining focus throughout. Alcaraz’s performance not only highlighted his prowess but also underscored the stark difference between him and his compatriot.
Now, with his win against Martinez, Alcaraz stands on the cusp of making history. A victory against Hubert Hurkacz would secure his spot in the final and mark his first indoor ATP title—a significant step for the young Spaniard. If he maintains his current form, there’s no doubt he could very well win the whole tournament.
Across the tournament, Alcaraz has bolstered his record against fellow Spaniards, now winning the last 12 matches against them. He is now among the select few Spaniards—joining the likes of Juan Carlos Ferrero, Rafael Nadal, and Pablo Carreno Busta—to reach the semifinals of this ATP 500 event.
Alcaraz aims to capture his first title since Beijing last October. He will meet Hurkacz, who reached the semifinals after overcoming second-seed Andrey Rublev. Hurkacz's impressive display included firing 17 aces during his quarterfinal match and has positioned him to challenge Alcaraz significantly.
This matchup against Hurkacz promises to be thrilling, especially considering the Polish star's formidable serve and ability to wear down opponents. Yet, with Alcaraz's recent form and growing confidence, he holds the edge as the tournament's top seed.
"I played really good tennis today, at really high level. I have done the right things again," Alcaraz reflected, emphasizing his focus and preparation leading to the semifinals. This intense preparation may very well prove beneficial as he charges toward his first indoor final.
The 2025 ATP Rotterdam Open is not just another tournament for Alcaraz; it's a pivotal moment for the young athlete as he looks to demonstrate he can thrive outside the clay-court season. Capturing this title would go far to cement his reputation as one of the sport’s rising stars, fully capable of prevailing across various surfaces. Should Alcaraz claim victory, it would signal not just his growing legacy but set the stage for future successes.
With excitement building for the semifinals, tennis fans around the world will be eagerly watching. Can Carlos Alcaraz, the young superstar aiming for greatness, make this his breakthrough on indoor courts? The stage is set for what could be another remarkable chapter in his already illustrious career.