Carlos Alcaraz’s 2025 season kicked off with a set of unexpected losses, including a defeat against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open quarterfinals, followed by a surprising triumph at the Rotterdam ATP 500. This victory was a major breakthrough for the young Spanish star, as it dissolved a losing streak that had cast a shadow over his early performances.
In a thrilling match at the Australian Open, Alcaraz squared off against a veteran of the sport, Djokovic. Despite Djokovic’s age of 38 years, he managed to outmaneuver the 21-year-old Spanish player in a best-of-five set match. This outcome was unexpected, as many speculated that Alcaraz’s youth would provide him with a significant advantage. The Murcia native had taken the first set and seemed poised to avenge his loss in the final round of the Paris Olympics during the previous summer. However, Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, let his concentration falter during the second half of the match, opening the door for Djokovic to advance to another semifinal ‘Down Under.’
Adding to Alcaraz’s string of unanticipated losses was his defeat against Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals of the Doha ATP 500. Despite trailing in the first set, the former world No. 1 managed to flip the match’s momentum, leading by a break in the third set. However, a sudden comeback from the Czech champion turned the tables, resulting in another setback for Alcaraz.
Fortunately for Alcaraz, ranked third in the world, his victory in Rotterdam salvaged his performance during the first month and a half of the 2025 season. This triumph marked his first indoor trophy, breaking a drought that had persisted since October 2024.
It’s well-known that Alcaraz has struggled to perform his best in indoor conditions, a fact evidenced by his track record. As revealed by his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, in an extensive interview with Eurosport, the decision to participate in the Rotterdam ATP 500 was strategic. The goal was to boost Alcaraz’s confidence in playing on a surface that has traditionally been challenging for him.
Ferrero disclosed, “Everyone is aware that Carlitos finds it difficult to bring out his best tennis indoors, and his end-of-season results have consistently reflected this. But his victory in Rotterdam, on a surface where the ball has limited bounce, will undoubtedly be beneficial in the future. I am confident that he will be better prepared for the season’s concluding tournaments.”
Thus, Alcaraz’s recent performance and his victory in Rotterdam indicate a promising shift in his approach to the game. As the 2025 season progresses, fans and critics alike will be keenly observing whether this young Spanish sensation can maintain his momentum and continue to evolve his game.