Alcaraz Seeks Payback Against Botic van de Zandschulp
Carlos Alcaraz has made his intentions clear ahead of his 2025 ABN AMRO Open debut—he wants revenge against Botic van de Zandschulp.
Despite holding the edge in their ATP Tour-level head-to-head record, Alcaraz suffered a shocking straight-sets defeat to the Dutchman in their most recent encounter at the 2024 US Open.
Alcaraz on Facing van de Zandschulp Again: “I Want to Take Revenge”
Speaking ahead of their first-round clash in Rotterdam, Alcaraz acknowledged his opponent’s talent but emphasized his determination to make amends.
“Yeah, I mean he’s a really top player. I played against him a few times already. The last time, I lost against him in straight sets. So I want to take revenge.”
Alcaraz on Home Crowd Disadvantage: “I’ll Try to Enjoy My First Match”
The Spaniard also commented on the hostile atmosphere he expects when he takes on Dutch home favorite van de Zandschulp at the Rotterdam Ahoy complex on Tuesday, February 4.
“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.”
Flashback: Alcaraz’s Stunning Defeat at the 2024 US Open
In their last meeting at Flushing Meadows, Alcaraz, then the No. 3 seed, was widely expected to cruise past the unseeded van de Zandschulp. However, the Dutchman delivered a stunning upset, winning 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.
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Alcaraz later admitted that fatigue from a packed tennis schedule contributed to his below-par performance.
“The tennis schedule is so tight. I’ve been playing a lot of matches lately—with Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Olympics. I took a little break after the Olympics. I thought it was enough. It was really helpful for me. Probably it wasn’t enough. I came here without as much energy as I thought I was going to come with.”
Alcaraz’s Road to Rotterdam
The 21-year-old kicked off his 2025 season at the Australian Open, reaching the quarterfinals before falling to Novak Djokovic. Now, he is looking to bounce back in Rotterdam and claim his first indoor hardcourt title.
Can Alcaraz get his revenge and start his Rotterdam campaign with a statement win?
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