Carlos Alcaraz continues to add milestones to his already impressive resume, defeating Alex de Minaur in the 2025 Rotterdam Open final to claim his first career indoor title. In a high-energy battle between two of the sport’s fastest and most dynamic players, Alcaraz showcased his relentless power and shot-making brilliance to outlast de Minaur and lift the ABN AMRO Open trophy in his tournament debut.
A Hard-Fought Final
Coming into the final, Alcaraz was on a mission to prove he could dominate on indoor hard courts, a surface where he had previously struggled compared to his success on clay and outdoor hard courts. Meanwhile, de Minaur—one of the most improved players on tour—was aiming for his biggest career title after a strong run in Rotterdam.
From the very first game, the match was a showcase of speed, intensity, and high-quality shot-making. Alcaraz dictated play with his explosive forehand and heavy topspin, while de Minaur countered with his trademark defense and lightning-fast court coverage. The first set was a tight contest, with both players trading blows in long baseline rallies before Alcaraz broke late to take the lead.
In the second set, de Minaur raised his level, using his agility and smart shot placement to frustrate Alcaraz and extend points. The Australian’s ability to absorb pace and redirect shots allowed him to break early and force a deciding set.
However, as he has done so many times before, Alcaraz found another gear in the third set. Unleashing his full arsenal of power, finesse, and athleticism, the Spaniard broke de Minaur’s serve twice and stormed to victory, sealing the win in three sets.
Final Score:
Carlos Alcaraz def. Alex de Minaur – 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
Alcaraz’s First Indoor Title: A Key Milestone
While Alcaraz has already won Grand Slams, Masters 1000s, and reached world No. 1, one missing piece in his game had been success on indoor courts. Unlike outdoor conditions, where his topspin-heavy game flourishes, indoor surfaces often neutralize spin and reward flatter, more precise hitting. Before Rotterdam, he had struggled in key indoor events, including the ATP Finals.
This victory ends that narrative and proves his adaptability on all surfaces. Winning his first indoor title in his Rotterdam debut is a major statement heading into the rest of the season, especially with indoor hard courts playing a big role in year-end tournaments.
De Minaur’s Strong Tournament Run
Despite falling short in the final, Alex de Minaur’s performance in Rotterdam was a major positive. The Australian took down several top players on his way to the championship match, showcasing his improved aggression and shot selection alongside his elite defense.
His ability to push Alcaraz to a third set in an indoor final highlights how much his game has evolved. With this momentum, de Minaur will be a player to watch in upcoming hard-court events.
What’s Next for Alcaraz?
With his first indoor title secured, Alcaraz now turns his focus to bigger challenges ahead, including the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami) and the upcoming clay-court swing. If he continues to improve on indoor surfaces, he will become an even bigger threat at the ATP Finals later this year.
At just 21 years old, Alcaraz continues to rewrite tennis history, and his Rotterdam triumph is just another step toward cementing himself as a true all-court, all-surface champion.
Final Thoughts
Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Alex de Minaur in Rotterdam is more than just another title—it’s a turning point in his career. By proving he can win on indoor hard courts, he eliminates one of the few remaining questions about his versatility. With his ever-growing skillset and relentless drive, the Spanish superstar is well on his way to dominating every corner of the ATP Tour.
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