Carlos Alcaraz battled his way into the final of the Rotterdam Open on Saturday, earning a hard-fought and entertaining victory over Hubert Hurkacz in a three-set match.
The Spanish world number three overcame the Polish player’s stubborn resistance, winning with scores of 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), and 6-3, which sets up a clash with Australia’s Alex de Minaur in Sunday’s final.
Alcaraz got off to a slow start, getting broken to love in his very first service game, allowing Hurkacz to take an early 3-0 lead in the first set. He faced another break point in his next service game but saved it with a brilliant crosscourt forehand, managing to hold his serve.
Despite facing three more break points, Alcaraz fought back into the match by breaking Hurkacz, winning a lengthy rally with a forehand smash. This shift in momentum favoured Alcaraz, and a double fault from Hurkacz provided Alcaraz with the chance to serve out the set. Once again, Hurkacz had the opportunity to break, but Alcaraz held firm, sealing the set with a forehand drive volley winner.
After the unpredictable first set, the second set proceeded more straightforwardly, remaining on serve until the tie-break. This tie-break was closely contested, with both players missing opportunities to take the lead. However, a double fault from Alcaraz at 5-4 allowed Hurkacz to capitalize, and he seized the set as Alcaraz netted an easy backhand groundstroke.
The decisive third set began similarly to the first, with an early break of serve—this time in favour of Alcaraz, who energized the crowd with his play. This break ultimately proved sufficient to break the Polish resistance, as Hurkacz struggled to put pressure on Alcaraz’s serve. Serving for the match at 5-3, Alcaraz secured his place in his 22nd ATP Tour final with a trademark forehand winner down the line.
