Carlos Alcaraz makes brutally honest confession as he gains revenge over Dutch rival

Kevin Palmer
Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates a win

Carlos Alcaraz gained sweet revenge on an opponent that inflicted the most surprising defeat of his career to date in Rotterdam, but he admitted the prospect of facing Botic van de Zandschulp once again filled him with trepidation.

Dutchman Van de Zandschulp stunned Alcaraz as he claimed the big upset win in last year’s US Open, as the jaded Spaniard was beaten in New York after a hectic European summer that saw him win the French Open and Wimbledon titles, as well as reach the final of the Olympic Games in Paris.

So when Alcaraz saw Van de Zandschulp’s name next to his own in the first-round draw in Rotterdam, his heart may well have skipped a beat.

While there would be no repeat win for Van de Zandschulp this time, the tight nature of the first two sets in Alcaraz’s 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 6-1 win highlights how this opponent continues to be challenging for the world No 3.

Intriguingly, he admitted after his win in the Netherlands that he was feeling tension prior to the match and took time to find his feet playing indoors for the first time in 2025.

“I think there were a lot of ups and downs in the match,” Alcaraz said.

“It was different, it’s totally different when you’re competing than in the practices.

“I started really nervous, I think it’s normal. The first match in every tournament is never easy. I just had to get used to my first match here in Rotterdam.

“You have to get used to playing with a full crowd, it’s totally different. I’m just happy to get used to it.”

“Being set point down in the first set, I think Botic played a really solid match. Not too many ups and downs for him, really consistent throughout the match. I’m just really happy to get through.

“I had to be really focused in the tough moments, to keep pushing and trust the good tennis will come again. I’m happy to get through a difficult match and have a chance to get better in the next round.”

Alcaraz’s confession that he was nervous heading into this match highlights the tension this brilliant young player appears to be able to disguise when he takes to the court.

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Still only 21, Alcaraz has the maturity of a veteran performer and while his form in the win against Van de Zandschulp was not as consistent as he would want, it was good enough to get the job done.

Alcaraz may also have been affected by the cold he picked up after he returned from the Australian Open, where he was beaten in the quarter-finals by an inspired Novak Djokovic.

“I spent a few days at home after Australia, but I got a cold,” said Alcaraz prior to his opening match in Rotterdam. “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.”

His nasal issues explain why Alaraz was wearing black tape on his nose, as he appears to be suffering from a similar issue that affected him at last year’s ATP Finals.

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