Carlos Alcaraz will face Alex de Minaur in the final of the Rotterdam Open after overcoming Hubert Hurkacz in a thrilling semi-final match on Saturday, February 8.
Rotterdam Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz survives a tough semi-final
The 21-year-old third seed triumphed in a hard-fought battle against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, winning 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3. Despite a slow start, where he found himself trailing 3-0 in the first set, Alcaraz showed his resilience and fought back to claim the opening set.
I think he had chances to make it 6-0 so I just tried to fight for every ball, every point, said the world number three, reflecting on his early struggles.
The second set saw Alcaraz and Hurkacz exchange opportunities, with both players having chances to seize the advantage. However, a crucial double fault at 5-4 allowed Hurkacz to level the match. The Polish player capitalized on the chance, taking the second set after Alcaraz missed a simple backhand.
The final set saw the Spaniard hit his stride. Alcaraz closed out the match with a stunning forehand winner, booking his place in the final after a captivating contest.
I just tried to stay in there, keep fighting all the time, and it paid off, Alcaraz added.
Rotterdam Open 2025: Alex de Minaur cruises to the final
Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur booked his place in the final with an impressive straight-set win over Mattia Bellucci. The 25-year-old Australian third seed showed his dominance with a 6-1, 6-2 victory, easing past the Italian qualifier.
De Minaur's semi-final performance was a stark contrast to Alcaraz's hard-fought victory. Bellucci, who had knocked out top players Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas on his way to the semi-finals, could not match De Minaur’s speed and consistency.
Having won all his matches in Rotterdam in straight sets, De Minaur will be hoping to secure his first title in the Dutch city, after finishing as a runner-up last year to world number one Jannik Sinner.
The Dutch crowd always treats me very well, and I love coming back here, so hopefully I can get a title this time, De Minaur stated.
With both players in top form, the final promises to be an exciting contest between Alcaraz's fighting spirit and De Minaur’s relentless consistency. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as the Rotterdam Open reaches its conclusion on Sunday.