Alcaraz Continues to Dream

Carlos Alcaraz had a dream before the ABN AMRO Open: put his name up on the winner's ring in Ahoy. That dream is one step closer to coming true after a convincing victory over his compatriot Pedro Martínez (6-2, 6-1). In the semifinals, a new hurdle awaits the Spanish superstar: Hubert Hurkacz, who knocked out Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals.

'The Alcaraz effect' was already noticeable before the tournament with a peak in ticket sales. And that effect continues: wherever Alcaraz (21) goes, a swarm of fans follows. Yet the title favourite remains remarkably relaxed and committed to acting as an engaging gentleman under all circumstances. His plastered nose, caused by a cold, remains covered, though it does not hinder him in the least, as he assured yesterday: "I feel physically and mentally perfect, and now I am performing at a very consistent level."

For his debut in Rotterdam, Alcaraz started somewhat shakily in the first round, with a hard-fought victory over Botic van de Zandschulp. After that, 'Carlitos' found his rhythm, as his next opponents, Vavassori and Martínez, clearly witnessed. "I feel myself getting better and stronger every day here," said Alcaraz after reaching the semifinals. And as the entire tennis world knows an Alcaraz in top form, guarantees improbable winner strokes and top-notch entertainment.

After two 'masterclasses,' Alcaraz will probably face a more serious test tonight, but that doesn't worry him. "The last two rounds may have seemed easy for me, but it never is. I have to focus on my own tennis anyway," said the world number three.

The fact that a Spanish player has reached this stage in Ahoy is quite uncommon. Of the previous fifty-one editions of the ABN AMRO Open, Alcaraz is only the fourth semifinalist from Spain, after his current coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in 2004, Rafael Nadal in 2009, and Pablo Carreño Busta in 2020. 'Carlitos' can add a new chapter to this remarkable statistic: never before has a Spanish tennis player won the Netherlands' most prestigious tennis tournament.