Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his 2026 season by making history at the Australian Open.
Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the final at Melbourne Park to become the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam, aged 22.
The Spaniard broke the record previously held by his legendary compatriot, Rafael Nadal, who achieved the feat at 24 years old in 2010.
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After his triumph, Alcaraz has made the decision to withdraw from the Rotterdam Open, an ATP 500 event he was scheduled to feature at, which starts on the ninth of February.
With the now-seven-time major champion pulling out, world number four Alexander Zverev has just been handed a golden opportunity.
Alexander Zverev gets boost heading into the Rotterdam Open
Zverev is also set to play at the Rotterdam Open, following his semifinal exit at the Australian Open.
The German was beaten by Alcaraz in the final four Down Under, despite almost completing a comeback from two sets down and having the chance to serve for the match.
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Now that his Australian Open conqueror has withdrawn, Zverev will be the heavy favourite in Rotterdam.
Other top stars who will be in action include Alex de Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime, with the Canadian returning to the tour after his first-round retirement in Melbourne.
Zverev won just one ATP title last season, with the sole triumph coming on the clay courts of Munich.
His last hard-court trophy was secured back in 2024, when he emerged victorious at the Paris Masters.
With the Australian Open near miss now behind him, Zverev can build some momentum at the Rotterdam Open with a 25th career title.
Other ATP stars competing at the Rotterdam Open
Along with Zverev, Auger-Aliassime and de Minaur, other big names will be making their way to Rotterdam.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka will appear at the competition for the very last time in his career as he continues his farewell season.
Britain’s Jack Draper is also set to feature, making his long-awaited return after being sidelined since last year’s US Open.
Daniil Medvedev, a former major winner, will join them, as the Russian looks to bounce back from a fourth-round exit at the Australian Open.
Last year’s champion at the Rotterdam Open was Alcaraz, who beat de Minaur in the final to capture the trophy.
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