Carlos Alcaraz played at 'really high level' to overcome Pedro Martinez and reach Rotterdam semi-final
Updated 07/02/2025 at 21:46 GMT
Carlos Alcaraz took a huge step in his search for a first title in more than four months when he dispatched compatriot Pedro Martinez with ease in Rotterdam. Alcaraz has looked back to his best in the Netherlands since a disappointing Australian Open, dazzling en route to the semi-final. "I played really good tennis today, a really high level," Alcaraz said. "I think I did the perfect match."
Carlos Alcaraz
Image credit: Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz continued his sparking form in Rotterdam to beat compatriot Pedro Martinez in straight sets and ease his way into the last four.
The four-time Grand Slam champion - sporting a black nose strip to combat a cold - rallied through the encounter in just one hour and 12 minutes, winning 6-2 6-1 to reach his 34th career semi-final at only 21 years of age.
It is also the first time he has reached a semi-final in 2025, and after the match, Alcaraz - who admitted he was nervous on his arrival in Rotterdam - said he delivered the "perfect" display.
"I played really good tennis today, a really high level. And I have done the right things again," Alcaraz said.
"I was really focused before the match, on my things, on my own tennis. I tried to put everything in today. Being aggressive, pushing him to the limit every point.
"I think I did the perfect match and I am happy to keep improving every day. Hopefully in the semi-finals, I will be even better."
Alcaraz beat Botic van de Zandschulp on his Rotterdam debut and then overcame Andrea Vavassori to reach the quarter-finals.
The Roland-Garros and Wimbledon champion's victory over Martinez on Friday marked the 12th consecutive triumph he has enjoyed over his fellow countrymen.
Per the ATP Tour, Alcaraz became only the fourth Spanish player to reach the semi-finals in Rotterdam, following in the footsteps of Rafael Nadal, Pablo Carreno Busta and his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
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His first semi-final of the season comes just a few weeks after the Spaniard's disappointing Australian Open exit to Novak Djokovic in the quarter-final - the only Grand Slam he has not won.
Waiting for Alcaraz - who is bidding for his first title since October, which came in Beijing - will be either Hubert Hurkacz or Andrey Rublev.
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