Carlos Alcaraz wins Rotterdam final to claim first indoor title of career
The young Spaniard secured his 17th career title with a 6-4 3-6 6-2 victory.
Carlos Alcaraz claimed the first indoor title of his career with victory over Alex De Minaur at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam.
The 21-year-old Spaniard was pushed to three sets for the third time this week but again came out on top, edging third seed De Minaur 6-4 3-6 6-2.
It was Alcaraz’s debut at the tournament, which always attracts a high-quality field, and he ended it with his first title of the season and 17th of his career.
De Minaur had lost both his previous matches against Alcaraz but he fought back strongly after the top seed had taken the opening set and forced a decider.
The early stages of the third were nip and tuck but Alcaraz’s extra power and aggression eventually told, with the Spaniard winning the final four games.
Alcaraz arrived in Rotterdam struggling with a cold and again wore a nasal strip to help his breathing.
“It’s been a really special week for me,” he said during the trophy ceremony. “Not only for the title but for the support I received from the first day.”
Addressing Alcaraz, the Australian said: “We always have some fun battles and I enjoyed my time very much on the court today. It’s been two years now with this runner-up trophy. I’m hoping I’ll get my hand on the winner’s one day.”
Meanwhile, at the Dallas Open, Denis Shapovalov claimed the biggest title of his career with a 7-6 (5) 6-3 victory over second seed Casper Ruud.
It completed a hugely impressive week for the Canadian, who defeated three top-10 players on his way to the trophy.
