Carlos Alcaraz is on a mission in Rotterdam, and he’s making it look easy. The former world No. 1 stormed into the semifinals of the ABN AMRO Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over fellow Spaniard Pedro Martinez on Friday. The win, which lasted just 70 minutes, showcased Alcaraz’s power and precision as he continued his quest for his first title of the season.
The top seed has been nearly untouchable in his last two matches, dropping only six games in total. His latest performance left the Rotterdam crowd in awe as he dismantled Martinez with a blend of aggressive shotmaking and relentless intensity.
“Today was a perfect match for me,” Alcaraz said after his victory. “I was focused from the start, played at a really high level, and pushed him to the limit on every point. I’m happy with my progress and hope to be even better in the semifinals.”
A Tough Road Ahead: Hurkacz Awaits
Up next, Alcaraz will face Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, who battled past Andrey Rublev in a grueling quarterfinal. Hurkacz rallied from a set down to defeat Rublev 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, securing his place in his first semifinal since last June. The Polish star fired 17 aces and racked up 40 winners to overcome the 2021 Rotterdam champion in two hours and 23 minutes.
Alcaraz holds a 3-0 head-to-head record against Hurkacz, but the Polish player is looking rejuvenated this season under the guidance of his new coach, former Olympic champion Nicolas Massu. This semifinal promises to be a battle of raw power and tactical brilliance.
Alcaraz’s Road to the Semifinals
The 21-year-old Spaniard overcame a shaky start in his Rotterdam debut, needing three sets to get past Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening round. Since then, he has been untouchable, steamrolling through Andrea Vavassori and Martinez with ruthless efficiency.
A four-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz is eager to claim his first trophy since last October, when he triumphed at the China Open in Beijing. He is also chasing his first final of the season after a quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open, where he fell to Novak Djokovic.
Can Alcaraz Keep His Streak Alive?
Alcaraz has now won his last 12 matches against Spanish opponents and joins an elite group of Spaniards to reach the Rotterdam semifinals, including Rafael Nadal, Pablo Carreno Busta, and his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
With his confidence soaring and his game looking sharper than ever, Alcaraz is just two wins away from his 17th career title. But before he can dream of lifting the trophy, he must first get past the big-serving Hurkacz in what promises to be a thrilling semifinal showdown.
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