Opening round blockbuster: Alcaraz-Van de Zandschulp

draw. Yet it was none other than Stan Wawrinka who was responsible for the 52nd edition’s schedule in Rotterdam Ahoy. The first match-up turned out to be a blockbuster of the opening round: top seed Carlos Alcaraz will face Botic van de Zandschulp. The native of Wageningen has fond memories of their last meeting in the second round of the US Open last year. Back then, Van de Zandschulp had defeated the 2024 back-to-back champion of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in straight sets (6-1, 7-5, 6-4), as if he had been preparing for this meeting his whole life.

Last year, Tallon Griekspoor was stopped in the semi-finals against the eventual winner, Jannik Sinner. The world number 46 will meet another Italian this year in the opening round: Matteo Berrettini and the experienced Italian will make his first appearance in Rotterdam. It will be another fresh start for Mees Röttgering, who will make his ATP debut at Ahoy in the second evening match in Ahoy on Monday. The 17-year-old resident of Wanssum in Limburg received a wildcard from tournament director Richard Krajicek, as he is the current junior world number one in the ITF rankings. Röttgering's opponent is yet to be named, as he will face a player from the qualifying tournament.

The 39-year-old Wawrinka, who won the tournament in 2015, was the last name to be drafted. On Monday from 7:30 PM, the Swiss will face second-seeded Daniil Medvedev, who left the tournament as the winner in his last appearance at ABN AMRO Open in 2023. 'You always know that at this tournament, you can draw a strong opponent,’ said Wawrinka, who holds three Grand Slam titles. 'In any case, it is a nice battle for spectators. I am happy to be back at the tournament where I have such fond memories.