“This one is even more special because it’s my first indoors” – Alcaraz on Rotterdam triumph

The Spaniard says he still has room for improvement when it comes to playing indoors

Carlos Alcaraz, Rotterdam 2025 Image Credit: Imago / Psnewz

February 10, 2025

The past week has been a breakthrough for Carlos Alcaraz. The four-time Grand Slam champion won his first career indoor singles title at the ATP Rotterdam Open with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 win over Australia’s Alex de Minaur.

The win was a testament to Alcaraz’s belief that he could compete against and triumph over the world’s best players on any surface.

“I knew that I [could] play really good tennis on indoor courts, it was just about time,” Alcaraz said after the final as quoted by the ATP Tour. “I had not too much experience playing on indoor courts. There are a lot of players who play better tennis on indoor courts than me, but I am improving and it’s a really important week. I’m just really happy to show the people that I can beat really good players on indoor courts as well. That helps a lot for my confidence.”

I have to improve a few things that I was working on, the serve is one of them, I think everybody knows that.

The Spaniard, who now has 17 ATP singles titles under his belt, said the first title indoors was a special one but he knows there is still room for improvement.

“It’s special. Every tournament that you win is special, but this one is even more special because it’s on [an] indoor court — my first one. I think it’s [a matter of] time that I’ll get into the top of the rankings of players on indoor court, I’m sure about it. I have to improve a few things that I was working on, the serve is one of them, I think everybody knows that. I’m not hiding the fact that the players who have big serves and big shots from the baseline are also dangerous but I think I will reach that level for sure,” Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz will be back on tour next week in Doha, which is an ATP 500 event this year. The Spaniard is one of six top 10 players entered in the draw, which is also expected to feature world No 1 and recent Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic.