Alcaraz talks about the balls on the circuit: "Every week we have different conditions.."

Carlos Navarro | 5 Feb 2025 | 00.16

Carlos Alcaraz. Source: Getty

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Carlos Alcaraz has moved past his first match in ATP Rotterdam 2025, defeating one of his former tough opponents. Botic didn't make it easy for him, trying to dig into the "diesel starts" of the Murcian player's tournament, but Carlos, despite a cold and tricky court conditions, managed to ace a challenging third set. With his biggest smile, he analyzed the match and discussed topics like the balls on the circuit, not having Ferrero by his side, and how he feels for the first time in the Dutch city.

- Overcoming a very tough match where he saved a set point in the first set

"I knew there would be tough moments because the first round of a new tournament is never easy. I believed Botic, with the crowd on his side, would raise his game to a very high level, I was sure of that. I am happy to have overcome this very difficult match, to have the chance to keep improving in the next round. My first time in Rotterdam is special, so I'm very pleased with what I've achieved today."

- The key to the match after losing the second set

"The key was to stay there, stay focused on the match. I faced break points against me and had to be very focused, I trusted myself, I trusted that I would show my best version. I stayed mentally strong."

- Opinion on Botic van de Zandschulp who seems to play very well every time he faces him

"I think he is a very complete player. He is very fast, has very good shots, physically very good. He is very dangerous. You never know what he might surprise you with: he is capable of hitting incredible shots, and that's what makes him so dangerous. In the matches I've played against him, he has shown a great level of tennis, but I'm glad to see that, that these types of players have to show their best if they want to beat me."

- First time and first match in Rotterdam

"It's been great. Today I faced a Dutch player, so I knew the crowd would support him and be with him most of the time. I'm happy to have seen Spanish people and to have received some support as well, I'm happy to live this experience and receive the love of the fans, I hope to receive that support in the upcoming rounds."

- Conditions and speed of the court in Rotterdam

"I had good training to adapt, but it was tough. New balls, everything seems to move very fast... and after two or three exchanges, the ball becomes very big and it's a bit difficult to play aggressively with them. Still, I don't want to complain about it; I feel that even so, you can show a good level of tennis."

- On the different balls on the circuit and if he has experienced physical issues because of them

"I think last year there were many injuries, many players with elbow or shoulder issues. Something needs to change. I know they will change it. Every week, practically every week, we have different balls, different conditions, so it's complicated to adapt to them. However, we are here to give our best and give the best of ourselves. I have not had physical problems because of it so far, I work every day to be in shape, right now I'm fine. And the cold is getting better little by little (laughs)."

- Juan Carlos Ferrero is not in your coaching staff this week: does it matter?

"It doesn't matter, it's clear that I love spending time with Juan Carlos, but Samu is also a great coach whom I trust 100%. I trained with Juanki at home, and he knows me perfectly, Samu also knows me, I trust him 100%, so nothing changes."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz habla sobre las pelotas en el circuito: "Cada semana tenemos condiciones diferentes..."

Carlos Alcaraz