Alcaraz outlasts Hurkacz in a gruelling three-set semi-final to reach the Rotterdam Open final.
Carlos Alcaraz dug deep to overcome Hubert Hurkacz in a pulsating semi-final at the Rotterdam Open, securing his place in the final with a 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 victory. The Spanish world number three showcased his relentless court coverage and resilience, fending off multiple break points to edge past the determined Polish star.
Alcaraz’s start was shaky, as Hurkacz broke him to love in the opening game and raced to a 3-0 lead. Facing another break point, the Spaniard responded with a stunning crosscourt forehand, clawing his way back into the contest. His trademark tenacity saw him survive three more break points before breaking back, sealing the game with a forehand smash after an intense rally.
The momentum swung firmly in Alcaraz’s favour, and a double fault from Hurkacz gifted him the first set. The second, however, played out more evenly, with both players holding serve until the tie-break. At 5-4 up, Alcaraz faltered, handing Hurkacz a lifeline with a costly double fault. The Pole capitalised, taking the set as Alcaraz misfired a routine backhand into the net.
With the crowd behind him, Alcaraz struck first in the decider, breaking early and maintaining his lead. Hurkacz struggled to make a dent in the Spaniard’s serve, and at 5-3, Alcaraz unleashed a scorching forehand winner up the line to book his spot in Sunday’s final.
“I want to be the first Spanish player to win this tournament. I’m going for it,” Alcaraz declared.
His opponent in the final, Alex de Minaur, made light work of Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci, dispatching him 6-1, 6-2 in the earlier semi-final. The Australian dominated from the outset, breaking Bellucci early in both sets and forcing 30 unforced errors from his opponent.
Runner-up in Rotterdam last year, De Minaur is determined to go one step further this time. “The Dutch crowd always treats me well. Hopefully, I can get the title this time,” he said.
With Alcaraz’s grit and De Minaur’s consistency, the Rotterdam final promises an electrifying showdown.
