Carlos Alcaraz outlasts Hubert Hurkacz in thriller, sets up Rotterdam Open final against Alex de Minaur

NEW DELHI: Spanish world number three Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in the final of the Rotterdam Open on Saturday after a hard-fought and entertaining three-set victory over Hubert Hurkacz.

The match showcased Alcaraz's resilience and determination as he overcame stubborn resistance from the Polish player, winning 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3.

The match began with Alcaraz facing an early setback, as he was broken in his opening service game, allowing Hurkacz to take a 3-0 lead in the first set.

However, Alcaraz displayed his fighting spirit, saving a break point with a brilliant crosscourt forehand and holding onto his serve.

Despite facing three more break points, Alcaraz fought back, breaking Hurkacz's serve and seizing the game with a forehand smash after a lengthy rally.

The momentum shifted in Alcaraz's favour, and he capitalized on a double-fault from Hurkacz to serve out the set, sealing it with a forehand drive volley winner.

The second set proceeded more conventionally, with both players holding serve until the tie-break. The tie-break was a closely contested affair, with both players squandering chances to gain the advantage.

Ultimately, a double-fault from Alcaraz at 5-4 up gave Hurkacz the opportunity he needed, and the Pole seized it, taking the set as Alcaraz netted a simple backhand groundstroke.


The decisive third set started similarly to the first, with an early break of serve – this time in Alcaraz's favour. The Spaniard brought the crowd to their feet with his aggressive play, and his lead proved enough to break Hurkacz's resistance. Serving for the set at 5-3, Alcaraz booked his place in his 22nd ATP tour final with a trademark forehand winner up the line.

"I want to be the first Spanish player to be able to win this tournament. I'm going to go for it. I'm really happy to be able to play a final in Rotterdam," said the 21-year-old Alcaraz, expressing his determination to claim the title.

In the other semi-final, Alex de Minaur of Australia brought an end to the extraordinary giant-killing run of Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci with a straight-sets win, 6-1, 6-2.

De Minaur's consistency proved too much for the error-prone Bellucci, who was unable to replicate his earlier heroics against Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

"I'm very happy with the level today," said De Minaur. "He's been playing with a lot of confidence this whole week, so I knew it was going to be a very tough battle." The third-seeded Australian has enjoyed a comfortable passage to the final, winning all his matches in straight sets.

With both players displaying impressive form, the stage is set for an enthralling final showdown between Alcaraz and De Minaur. Alcaraz, the top seed, will be aiming to become the first Spanish player to win the Rotterdam Open, while De Minaur, the runner-up last year, will be seeking his first title in the tournament.