SEARCHING FOR A MOMENT, BUT THERE IS THE NAME ALCARAZ!

It is a funny sight at the award ceremony on the Centre Court: Carlos Alcaraz turns around three times, and only then does he see the spot on the first ring where it was all about for a week in Rotterdam Ahoy. That's where his name is now being added in brightly burning letters, as the 52nd winner of the ABN AMRO Open!

After the 6-4 3-6 6-2 victory in the final against tough Australian Alex de Minaur, it is a special mention for more than one reason: Alcaraz is now the very first Spanish winner of the tournament. He has won the final where his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero (in 2004) as well as Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal (in 2009) fell short. And now, at only 21 years of age, he has also won one more tournament title than his coach (17 to 16).

"I'm really super happy to be lifting the winner's trophy here", responded 'Carlitos' with that of his so infectious broad smile. "I also now have an indoor title at this level to my name for the first time, which also played for me this week. I came here with a cold, but felt a little better every day. And I don't say that often, but to the organization here and all the amazing audience now I do: I love you guys! This week in Rotterdam was very special for me. I'm definitely going to celebrate it tonight with my friends, who came over from Spain. Fortunately, we won't be flying home again until tomorrow.''

The love has been mutual for a week, as the audience record of nearly 142,000 (a whopping 15,000 more visitors than last year's record) is phenomenal. During the final, Ahoy is also filled to the brim. People jostle for space while standing on the landing and sitting on the stairs. All to watch the young, mischievous Spaniard play tennis. And they get their money's worth. Especially when Alcaraz also takes the time after the final to celebrate his win with the fans at Sports Plaza.

De Minaur, last year's losing finalist against current No. 1 Jannik Sinner, may not be 100% physically, but he really does get the strength from somewhere for a set and a half to make things difficult for the favorite Alcaraz. The 25-year-old Aussie, afterwards with a red (because cold) nose: "I don't feel great, but don't want to use that as an excuse. Even today I could enjoy the game and the battle. Only it just didn't fall my way. And that's a shame, because my level is still going up. Hopefully, after two years as a loser in the final, I can one day lift the winner's trophy here again.'' And then, surely with a sigh: "But now I only want one thing: and that is to go to bed.'’