Carlos Alcaraz knows that the season is very long and that rest is going to play a very important role in order to achieve all the goals. … objectives that have been set ahead. For this reason, the first decision that the Murcian has made after triumphing in the Australian Open is to withdraw from the Rotterdam tournament, which begins next Monday.
«After consulting with my team, I have had to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the Rotterdam tournament. I need time to rest after the long series of matches in Australia. It’s a disappointment not to be able to come back after my title last year. I had a great time last year in Rotterdam and I hope to return soon. I wish the fans and the organization a great week,” Alcaraz said in a statement.
“The winner of the Australian Open came to the conclusion that, after the effort made during the last two weeks, he needs more time to return to action,” complemented the organization of the Dutch tournament.
In Rotterdam, Alcaraz won his first title of 2025 and the first – and only for the moment – indoor title of his sporting career. Curiously, at that event the professional relationship began with Samuel López, his current coach, who until then acted as a complement to Juan Carlos Ferrero when the Valencian could not accompany Alcaraz and from Rotterdam the union became permanent.
Mattress in the ranking
The loss in the Dutch city will mean that Alcaraz will lose 500 points compared to Jannik Sinner, but it is not a big drama because the Murcian already has 1,600 more points than last year at this point thanks to the 2,000 he pocketed in Melbourne.
The difference with Sinner is 2,850 units, an important cushion that ensures him being number one in the world until at least Indian Wells. However, now begins the most demanding part of the course for Alcaraz, who between February and June – until the end of Roland Garros – defends 5,840 units, while Sinner, who did not play in 2025 between Australia and Rome due to a three-month sanction for doping, only puts 1,650 at stake.
Alcaraz will return to the competition in Doha, which takes place from February 16 to 21, and then will travel to the United States to play Indian Wells (March 4 to 15) and Miami (March 18 to 29). In these three tournaments, Alcaraz has room for improvement compared to last year, because in Doha he lost in the quarterfinals, in Indian Wells in the semifinals and in Miami he said goodbye in the second round, giving rise to a vacation in Cancun that anticipated the best months of his sports career.
