World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Rotterdam Open, just a day after his historic Australian Open victory on Sunday. The 22-year-old Spaniard defeated Novak Djokovic in four sets to claim his first Australian Open crown, becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz now holds seven Grand Slam singles titles, matching the tally of tennis legends John McEnroe and Mats Wilander. His triumph in Melbourne followed a gruelling five-hour-27-minute semi-final against Alexander Zverev, the longest in Australian Open history.
The defending Rotterdam champion will not return to the Netherlands tournament this year, citing the need for recovery. A statement from the event's official Instagram account said: 'Carlos Alcaraz won't defend his title in Rotterdam. The Australian Open champion concluded that, after his exertions over the past two weeks, he needs more time to return to action. We wish Carlos a swift recovery.'
The ATP 500 event begins on February 9 and will feature Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and British No.1 Jack Draper. Alcaraz won last year's tournament with a three-set victory over Alex de Minaur.
Speaking after his Australian Open win, Alcaraz said: 'It's a dream come true. Before the last point a lot of things came into my mind. I was really nervous and shaking. I saw the ball going out and it was like; alright, I guess I made it.'
