Carlos Alcaraz is proving to be an unstoppable force at the 2025 Rotterdam Open, cruising into the semifinals with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory over fellow Spaniard Pedro Martinez. The four-time Grand Slam champion is now just one win away from his first-ever indoor ATP final, a milestone that has eluded him throughout his career.

From Clay to Hard Courts – A Strategic Shift

Alcaraz’s decision to skip the South American clay-court swing in favor of indoor hard courts this year is already paying dividends. Traditionally, the Spaniard would have played at the Argentina Open and Rio Open, but he chose Rotterdam instead, with plans to compete at the Qatar Open next week.

The shift in strategy highlights Alcaraz’s desire to expand his dominance beyond clay and outdoor hard courts, setting himself up for long-term success on all surfaces.

Dominant Run in Rotterdam

Alcaraz has steamrolled through the competition in his Rotterdam debut. After a tricky three-set battle against home favorite Botic van de Zandschulp, he has been nearly flawless:

• Round of 16: Defeated Andrea Vavassori 6-1, 6-2
• Quarterfinal: Defeated Pedro Martinez 6-2, 6-1

Against Martinez, Alcaraz fired winners at will, controlled rallies from the baseline, and never faced a single break point. His relentless aggression and flawless serving overwhelmed his compatriot, who had no answers.

“I felt great on the court today,” Alcaraz said after the match. “I’m getting more comfortable with the conditions, and I’m happy with my level.”

A Historic Final in Sight

Now, Alcaraz stands on the verge of his first indoor ATP final—a significant step for a player aiming to dominate across all surfaces. If he keeps up his current form, he may not just reach the final, but win the whole thing.