Carlos Alcaraz sends ‘revenge’ warning to first opponent ahead of Rotterdam Open debut
Carlos Alcaraz has asserted that he “wants to take revenge” on Botic van de Zandschulp ahead of his showdown with the Dutchman at the 2025 Rotterdam Open.
The Spaniard also addressed whether his defeat to Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open was a “missed opportunity.”
Alcaraz, who is making his debut at the Rotterdam Open, will face home favourite van de Zandschulp in the opening round of the ATP 500 tournament.
The four-time major winner suffered a shock straight-set defeat to the 29-year-old Dutchman in the second round of the 2024 US Open. He holds a 2-1 head-to-head record against the world No 84.
Alcaraz’s loss to van de Zandschulp at Flushing Meadows was his only defeat before the quarter-final stage in his last nine Grand Slam appearances.
In previous seasons, Alcaraz has competed at the ‘Golden Swing’ South American clay-court tournaments at this time of year rather than the European indoor hard-court events.
The 21-year-old, who is the top seed in Rotterdam, is aiming to win his maiden title on indoor courts.
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In his press conference ahead of his appearance in Rotterdam, Alcaraz previewed his rematch with his US Open conqueror van de Zandschulp.
“Yeah, I mean he’s a really top player,” the world No 3 said. “I played against him a few times already. The last time, I lost against him in straight sets. So I want to take revenge.
“I’m going to play him in his home, with his home crowd. I’ll try to enjoy my first match here in Rotterdam, see how it’s going to be.
“The crowd will probably be against me, but I’ll just try to enjoy and do my best. I am here for the challenge and to get through.”
Alcaraz also reflected on his four-set quarter-final loss to Djokovic at last month’s Australian Open.
“I don’t feel that it was a missed opportunity against Novak,” he added. “I really wanted to win the tournament and felt I was able to, but Novak played an unbelievable match.
“Facing Novak in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam is the worst thing. It was a pretty good match. I have tried to take the good things about that match and will look ahead now.”
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