Carlos Alcaraz is not shining at the start of the season and his debut in Rotterdam against Botic van de Zandschulp was marked by too many ups and downs. The former world No. 1 prevailed in three sets against the local idol, making the difference in the decisive moments but committing too many unforced errors as had already happened during the Australian Open last month.
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The 21-year-old from Murcia has been working hard during the off-season, but the fruits of his efforts are not yet visible and the Spaniard must be patient trying to win even when he is not playing his best tennis.
Everyone thought that the world number 3 would face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the third round, instead the Canadian ace was forced to retire during his match against Andrea Vavassori.
The Italian player is a doubles specialist, where he reached the final at the 2025 Australian Open, but his particular skills allow him to be competitive in singles as well.
Vavassori on facing Alcaraz
Today's match will not be the first match between Carlitos and Andrea, who already faced each other on the red clay of Buenos Aires last year. On that occasion, the 29-year-old Italian put the 4-time Grand Slam champion in trouble in the first set (lost only in the tiebreak) before collapsing in the second set (6-1).
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"The last time I faced Carlos it was a really incredible match in Buenos Aires, so I can't wait to challenge him again. Alcaraz is a very good guy both on and off the court" - explained Vavassori. "The surface is quite slow, but the serve works quite well and this allows me to put pressure on my opponents" added Andrea.
The young Spaniard will have to improve his level a lot if he wants to get to the end of this tournament, given the presence of numerous dangerous opponents who are looking for precious points in the ATP ranking.
Carlitos is quite vulnerable on this surface and the rivals entered the court with more conviction that they could beat him.
