Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Rotterdam Open following Australian Open triumph
Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Rotterdam Open merely hours after securing his first Australian Open crown on Sunday, reports BritPanorama.
The world number one, who claimed the ATP 500 title in the Netherlands last year, will not be returning to defend his trophy at the indoor hard-court event beginning on 9 February. Tournament organisers confirmed the withdrawal on Monday, stating that the 22-year-old Spaniard requires additional recovery time following his exertions over the past fortnight in Melbourne.
The decision means Alcaraz will forfeit 500 ranking points, although his team has prioritised the player’s long-term physical wellbeing over immediate competition. His triumph at Melbourne Park saw him overcome Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in the final, handing the Serbian his first defeat in an Australian Open decider.
His semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev proved particularly gruelling, lasting five hours and 27 minutes to become the longest semi-final in Australian Open history. The tight scheduling between Sunday’s final and the Rotterdam event’s start date, combined with the demands of intercontinental travel from Australia to Europe, are understood to have been key factors in the withdrawal decision.
After the final, Alcaraz reflected on his achievement: “It’s a dream come true, to be honest. It was something I was working really hard for, to get this trophy and the career Grand Slam.” The Spaniard has now captured all four major titles before his 23rd birthday, making him the youngest man ever to complete the career Grand Slam.
Another significant aspect of Alcaraz’s victory was the £2 million in prize money he secured. Despite surrendering his defending champion status, Alcaraz’s camp has determined that rest takes precedence over competition at this stage. He is expected to make his competitive return at the Qatar Open in Doha, an ATP 500 tournament commencing on 16 February.
As the Rotterdam Open prepares to unfold without its defending champion, the tournament’s field will still feature notable players such as Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and British number one Jack Draper. This development serves as a pointed reminder of the relentless demands placed on top athletes and the intricate balancing act between ambition and health.
