"I want to take revenge" – Carlos Alcaraz eyes Rotterdam title after Australian Open setback

Carlos Alcaraz is determined to move past his quarter-final exit from the Australian Open as he shifts his focus to the title in Rotterdam. Entering the tournament as the top seed, Alcaraz is poised to clinch his first title of 2025, but his first-round opponent, Dutch wildcard Botic van de Zandschulp, presents a potential challenge.

Despite the threat posed by his opponent, Alcaraz remains steadfast in his mission to bounce back from defeat and emerge victorious.

Going into Rotterdam for Alcaraz

Alcaraz’s rapid ascent to the top of the tennis world has been nothing short of sensational. The 21-year-old Spaniard has firmly established himself as a dominant force on the tour.

Heading into Melbourne, he had high hopes of securing a major title, looking in great form throughout the tournament. However, his run ended in the quarter-finals, where he fell to Novak Djokovic in a competitive four-set battle.

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Despite the disappointment, Alcaraz remains focused and is eager to redeem himself in Rotterdam. Speaking about van de Zandschulp, Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge ahead:

"Yeah, I mean, he's a top player. I played against him a few times already. The last time, I lost against him in straight sets. So I want to take revenge," he said with determination.

Facing the home crowd

Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz is aware that the Rotterdam crowd will likely favour the Dutchman, but he is prepared for the challenge. Playing in his opponent’s home country, he expects to face a tough atmosphere, but he remains confident in his abilityto rise to the occasion.

Despite the potential adversity, Alcaraz is looking forward to the match and remains focused on delivering his best performance.

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"I'm going to play him in his home, with his home crowd. I'll try to enjoy my first match here in Rotterdam, see how it's going to be. The crowd will probably be against me, but I'll just try to enjoy and do my best," Alcaraz added.

Revenge on the mind

Alcaraz and van de Zandschulp’s last encounter at the US Open was memorable, with the Dutchman pulling off a stunning upset in straight sets: 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.

Alcaraz attributed his defeat to fatigue, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport and the physical demands of a packed schedule.

"The tennis schedule is so tight. I've been playing a lot of matches lately. With Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Olympics… I took a little break after the Olympics. I thought it was enough. It was really helpful for me. Probably it wasn't enough. I came here without as much energy as I thought I would come with," Alcaraz admitted.

Now, with revenge on his mind, Alcaraz is determined to turn the tables on his opponent and secure his first title of the season.

Alcaraz is a phenomenal player, and you would back him to secure a title in Rotterdam.

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