Alcaraz “mentally refreshed” after Melbourne exit, ready for Rotterdam title bid

Carlos Alcaraz is the big draw card for this week’s ABN-AMRO Open in Rotterdam and the good news for fans, and for tournament director Richard Krajicek, is that he says he’s ready and raring to go as he looks to put the disappointment of his quarter-final exit at the Australian Open behind him.

The Spaniard found Novak Djokovic in red hot form as the Serbian played outstanding tennis to deny him a place in the last four in Melbourne. Alcaraz picked up a cold in the aftermath but is still hoping for big things this week.

“After the Australian Open, I took a few days off, but once I got home, I caught a cold and I’m still not completely over it,” he said, quoted by the tournament’s website.

Revenge on the cards

Alcaraz will also have the chance for a spot of revenge having drawn Botic van de Zanschulp in the first round in Rotterdam.

“The good thing is that after those days of rest with the family, I’m mentally completely fresh again. And I can use that against Botic to take revenge for that loss in New York,” said Alcaraz, who is the No 1 seed in Rotterdam after the withdrawal of world No 1 Jannik Sinner.

The tall Dutchman stunned Alcaraz at the US Open last September, knocking him out in the second round.

“He’s a really tough player.,” Alcaraz said on Monday. “Last time I lost to him in straight sets. I will try to enjoy playing my first match here. The crowd will probably be against me but I try to enjoy and do my best. I know it’s going to be difficult, it’s going to be a tough match but I am here to take the challenge.”

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