Alcaraz breaks Spanish title duck in Rotterdam

Carlos Alcaraz landed the first ATP Rotterdam title for Spain in Rotterdam, outperforming Rafael Nadal and his own coach Juan Carlos Ferrero on Sunday as he claimed the first-ever  indoor trophy.

The world No. 3 earned the 17th title of his career as he beat last year’s losing finalist Alex de Minaur 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 in just under two hours at the Ahoy stadium.

Australian de Minaur, who will move up to sixth in the world in the rankings. lost to Jannik Sinner here in 2024.

The 21-year-old Alcaraz has lost only five of his 22 career finals; he last won a title in Beijing last October.

“This week has been a good one,” Alcaraz said. “The team and I put in some pretty good work.

“I came here not feeling at 100 per cent due to a cold. But I’ve been feeling better and better.

“This has been a really special week for me.”

De Minaur, whose own fitness was under suspicion this week, appeared to run out of puff in the later stages of the final, with the Aussie saving a match point before driving into the net on a second Alcaraz opportunity.

“It’s been two years now that I’ve gotten this runner-up trophy. :I hope to get my hands on the other one someday,” di Minaur said..

Carlos and I always have some fun battles, I did enjoy my time on the court today.”

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz celebrates victory in the Ahoy Stadium – ATPTour.com