As a result of his victory, Alcaraz has matched Rafael Nadal and is also the first Spanish singles champion at the prestigious event.

This was the first time that the Spaniard had chosen to play in Rotterdam, with Alcaraz previously playing on clay at this time of year.

Alcaraz was the top seed at the Rotterdam Open, but was originally not supposed to be before world number one Jannik Sinner withdrew.

Carlos Alcaraz gives opinion on Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from Rotterdam Open

Sinner was originally supposed to be playing at the Rotterdam Open as the top seed and defending champion, having won the title for the first time last year after also beating De Minaur in the final.

However, after Sinner won the Australian Open for a second consecutive season, he elected to withdraw from the Rotterdam Open and cited needing rest as his reasoning.

This made Alcaraz the big favourite for the Rotterdam title, with the out-of-form Daniil Medvedev subsequently losing in the second round.

In his post final press conference, Alcaraz was asked about whether he missed having Sinner in Rotterdam.

While he understood Sinner’s decision for pulling out of the tournament, Alcaraz joked that he was pleased not to have had to play the world number one.

Alcaraz said, “I haven’t missed Jannik during the week (laughs), but it would have been very positive for the tournament if he came, although I understand his reasons.”

Even without having Sinner there, it was not all plain-sailing for the 21-year-old after he was forced to win three of his matches in three sets.

This includes Alcaraz’s semi-final against Hubert Hurkacz and the subsequent final with De Minaur.

Carlos Alcaraz bridges gap on Jannik Sinner’s ATP title haul

The Rotterdam Open is Alcaraz’s 17th career ATP title, as he looks to close the gap on rival Sinner.

Alcaraz and Sinner have the most titles of men’s singles players born since 2000, with the Italian currently leading that statistic.

Despite trailing Sinner in terms of total titles, Alcaraz actually has more Grand Slams, Masters 1000 and ATP 500 level trophies.

Although out of the two players, Sinner is the only one to have won the year-end ATP Finals having triumphed in Turin last year.

Having won his first indoor hard court title in Rotterdam, Alcaraz explained why it was so special to him as he continues to look to improve.

“This title is special because it is the first one indoors and I have shown that I can play well on this type of court,” said Alcaraz. “I have remained focused throughout the match, even though I lost the second I was strong for the third. I felt some pressure, but I handled it very well.”

“I’m happy because I knew I had the level to play well in these conditions. There are players who have a better game indoors, but I’ve managed to beat players like them and that gives me a lot of confidence.  

“My best level will also come on this surface , I have to work on improving what I’ve trained for.”

Alcaraz will now have a week off before making his debut at another tournament, as he looks set to join Sinner and Novak Djokovic in Doha.

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