Carlos Alcaraz shines against Hubert Hurkacz to face Alex de Miñaur in Rotterdam final

We knew that Carlos Alcaraz would have a tougher task than in his previous matches against Hubert Hurkacz, and it was evident from the start. The Pole is one or several levels above Botic van de Zandschulp, Andrea Vavassori, and Pedro Martínez. Despite that, the Spaniard overcame the challenge and advanced to the final of the ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam 2025.

In the first five and a half games, Hurkacz was playing the best tennis of his life. Carlitos didn’t start well, but he was up against a daring opponent who was making everything. However, once he picked up the pace and raised his level, he had no rival. He played an outstanding game to break back and bring the score to 3-4.

The level of play was so high that both players even shook hands at the changeover. Alcaraz went on a five-game winning streak, turning a 1-4 deficit into a 6-4 set win. The Pole went from handling the intensity from the baseline to being the first to miss in the longer rallies.

Read also

Tournament Centre ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam: Schedule, results, Prize Money and TV Guide

Alcaraz overcomes a tricky match

The second set was much more balanced. Both players dominated their service games and managed the toughest situations well. That led to a tiebreak, where they remained extremely close. It was clear that the first to deliver the final blow would take the set. Ultimately, Alcaraz succumbed to the Pole’s pressure, losing the last three points to fall 5-7.

In the third set, Carlitos showed no mercy. From the start, it was clear he was going for the win. He broke his opponent’s serve at the first opportunity and held his own until the end, sealing the victory 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3.

Read also

"Little gimmick I bought online": Casper Ruud explains reason behind wearing black nasal strip at Dallas Open

He will face Alex de Miñaur in the final, who is having an outstanding tournament. The Australian is establishing himself as one of the ATP’s top players and hasn’t dropped a set this week. In their two previous encounters, the Spaniard has never lost to him. The first was in the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open, where he saved two match points. The second was another title match, at Queen’s.