Carlos Alcaraz battles past Botic van de Zandschulp in Rotterdam - 'I started really nervous'

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Carlos Alcaraz was anything but comfortable at times in his opening match of the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, but he eventually claimed victory in three sets over Dutch wild card Botic van de Zandschulp. It was a relief for Alcaraz, who suffered a surprise defeat to his opponent at last year's US Open. The Spaniard dropped the second set, before holding his nerve and winning the match.

Carlos Alcaraz à Rotterdam

Image credit: Getty Images

Carlos Alcaraz was forced to work hard for victory against Dutch wild card Botic van de Zandschulp at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam on Tuesday.

The top seed was put through his paces, especially during the first two sets, before he claimed a 7-6(3) 3-6 6-1 victory.

Alcaraz, who suffered a surprise defeat to the Dutchman in the second round at the US Open last year, eventually made his extra class tell.

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The 21-year-old played with a nasal strip to help his breathing due to suffering from a cold.

Van de Zandschulp had a set point at 5-4 in the opening set but then served a double fault, and Alcaraz won the tie-break to edge ahead.

The underdog played some superb tennis to level the match, before Alcaraz comfortably took the decider.

"I think there were a lot of ups and downs in the match," Alcaraz said.

"Being set point down in the first set, I think Botic played a really solid match. Not too many ups and downs for him, really consistent throughout the match.

"I’m just really happy to get through. [I had to] be really focused in the tough moments, to keep pushing and trust the good tennis will come again.

"I’m happy to get through a difficult match and have a chance to get better in the next round."

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Alcaraz may have won four grand slam titles on the way to becoming one of the sport's biggest young stars, but he admitted to suffering from nerves.

"I started really nervous, I think it’s normal. The first match in every tournament is never easy.

"I just had to get used to my first match here in Rotterdam. You have to get used to playing with a full crowd, it’s totally different. I’m just happy to get used to it."

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