Carlos Alcaraz Admits He Won Rotterdam Open Despite 'Not Feeling 100% Well'
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Carlos Alcaraz's 2025 Rotterdam Open title run was even more impressive than it looked on paper because of not being completely healthy.
Alcaraz secured his maiden indoor title by defeating Alex de Minaur in the final. He had never reached the indoor final before this week, but he went all the way after a superb week in front of the Dutch fans.
He also fought through challenging battles against Botic van de Zandschulp and Hubert Hurkacz during the tournament and easier victories against Andrea Vavassori and Pedro Martinez to reign supreme in Rotterdam.
Alcaraz's chances at the start of the week looked damaged because he had a cold. Throughout the Rotterdam Open, he played his matches with a nasal strip to help him breathe on the court.
In the trophy ceremony after the match, Alcaraz admitted he was still not feeling 100% despite having improved from the start of the week while paying tribute to his team for helping him successfully get through the week.
"I would like to continue with my team. I just want to say thank you for everything. It has been a really good week, all together putting in really good work. Coming here not feeling 100% because of the cold, but every day, I am feeling better and better thanks to you."
Alcaraz's ability to win an indoor title despite not being fully well could give him a significant confidence boost. He has struggled indoors throughout his career, including a surprising loss to Ugo Humbert at the 2024 Paris Masters.
However, it was only a matter of time before Alcaraz made a breakthrough indoors. He will have aspirations to win bigger tournaments than the Rotterdam Open. The ATP Finals is the most prestigious indoor event in the world.
Alcaraz benefited from Jannik Sinner's withdrawal from the Rotterdam Open because the Italian wanted more time to rest after winning his third Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open. Sinner has been the best indoor player in the last year.
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Fans would undoubtedly have been thrilled to see a final between Alcaraz and Sinner, but it is important not to disrespect de Minaur. The Australian put up a great fight in the final, making the Spaniard work hard for victory.
Alcaraz's next tournament will be the 2025 Qatar Open, starting February 17th. It continues his adapted schedule since he played in South Ameirca on clay during the last couple of years at this time of the season.
Playing on hard courts might improve his preparation for the 2025 Indian Wells Open, although Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, coped fine with the change from clay to hard courts in 2023 and 2024.
Alcaraz can make it three titles in a row next month. He might be helped by Sinner having bad memories from the event since he tested positive for a prohibited substance at last year's tournament, beginning a nightmare that remains ongoing.
The slow hard courts in California suit Alcaraz's game and he could be challenging to stop once again this year.
