Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the ATP Rotterdam match.
Carlos Alcaraz will face an unexpected opponent in the second round of ATP 500 Rotterdam. Instead of Félix Auger-Aliassime, who has already won two ATP 250 titles this season (Adelaide and Montpellier), the Spaniard will meet an unheralded Italian qualifier. How did this happen, and what can we expect next?
Carlos Alcaraz
The world No. 3 had a tough opening match in Rotterdam, as he faced Botic van de Zandschulp, the man who handed him one of his most shocking defeats in recent memory at the US Open. This time, playing in front of his home crowd, the Dutchman pushed Alcaraz for over two and a half hours, but ultimately succumbed in three sets (7:6, 3:6, 6:1).
Andrea Vavassori
Vavassori is ranked 317th in the ATP Race and has never climbed higher than No. 128, yet he put up a serious fight against Félix Auger-Aliassime. The first set went to a tie-break in favour of the Canadian, but the Italian responded by winning the second 6:4. Interestingly, Vavassori won 70% of points on his serve, matching Auger-Aliassime. However, after the second set, the Canadian unexpectedly retired, without calling for the physio, possibly due to muscle or joint issues. Regardless, Vavassori advanced to the next round.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Andrea Vavassori Prediction
These two players met almost a year ago on clay in Buenos Aires, where Alcaraz won comfortably in two sets (7:6, 6:1). While Vavassori has shown he can be competitive for stretches, his overall level is far below that of Alcaraz. The Italian might put up resistance in one set—perhaps even taking it to a tie-break—but in the others, the Spaniard should dominate with ease.
