Carlos Alcaraz Reveals Struggles With Illness Ahead Of Rotterdam Open Debut
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Carlos Alcaraz suffered a tough 2025 Australian Open quarterfinal loss to Novak Djokovic and revealed that a sickness once he flew home added further pain.
The 21-year-old only got over an illness relatively recently in November. Alcaraz battled while not feeling well at the 2024 ATP Finals, eventually being eliminated in the round-robin stage after a loss to Alexander Zverev.
Last season's 2024 French Open champion wore a nose tape in practice and during the matches to help his breathing. Stepping onto the court at the tournament when feeling so unwell was an admirable effort by the Spaniard.
Alcaraz missed out on becoming the youngest man to ever achieve the Career Grand Slam after being defeated by Djokovic at the recent Australian Open. The Serbian overcame an injury issue and dropping the first set to beat the young ATP star.
His first opportunity to respond positively to the setback is at the 2025 Rotterdam Open. Speaking in a press conference before the tournament began on Monday, Alcaraz mentioned he had a cold after the tournament in Melbourne, but that did not stop him from enjoying being at home.
"I spent a few days at home after Australia, but I got a cold. I was struggling a little bit at home. I could only train for two days and then I had to rest until the cold got better. But spending time at home, it doesn’t matter if you are sick, it is always great, having your family there. It allows you to be fresh mentally, to travel again."
Luckily, the cold does not sound as severe as what Alcaraz experienced during last year's ATP Finals. He also had the benefit of being able to rest and not make it any worse by competing on the ATP circuit.
Although Alcaraz seemed okay in the press conference in Rotterdam compared to how he was at the ATP Finals, the four-time Grand Slam champion used the nose tape again to ensure proper breathing during practice.
Alcaraz faces a challenging opening round match at the Rotterdam Open against Botic van de Zandschulp. Their recent history adds an additional layer of fascination to their upcoming meeting.
Van de Zandschulp pulled off a stunning upset against Alcaraz in the second round of the 2024 US Open. The world No. 3 was not at his best, but van de Zandschulp's level was extraordinary throughout the contest.
A few months later, Rafael Nadal lost the final singles match of his career against van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup Finals. He and Wesley Koolhof later won the deciding doubles contest against Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers to eliminate Team Spain and end Nadal's career.
That means Alcaraz knows as well as anyone how dangerous van de Zandschulp can be. The Dutchman having a home crowd behind him in Rotterdam is another potential complication for Alcaraz.
"He's a really tough player. I've played against him a few times already. The last time I lost against him. I am now going to play him in his home. I will enjoy playing my first match here in Rotterdam and I will see how it goes."
"The crowd will probably be against me but I will enjoy it and do my best. I am here for the challenge and to get through.”
