ATP Rotterdam: Alex de Minaur prepares to problem Carlos Alcaraz

World no. 18 Alex de Minaur booked a spot in his 18th ATP remaining in Rotterdam. The Aussie made back-to-back titles clashes on the prestigious ATP 500 occasion. He misplaced final yr’s remaining to Jannik Sinner and can attempt to flip the tables versus Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s remaining.

De Minaur confronted a qualifier, Mattia Bellucci, within the semi-final and earned a dominant 6-1, 6-2 triumph in 67 minutes. The third seed served at solely 41%! Nonetheless, nobody may discover that after he dropped 12 factors in eight service video games.

Alex de Minaur, Rotterdam 2025© Stream screenshot

Alex confronted no break factors and mounted the strain on the opposite aspect. Bellucci scored a few notable wins en path to the final 4 however stood no probability in opposition to final yr’s finalist. The Italian served at 53% and struggled behind the second serve.

He confronted 4 break factors and didn’t defend any, dropping serve two occasions in every set and ending his marketing campaign within the semi-final.

Mattia Bellucci hits an INSANE shot in opposition to Alex de Minaur in Rotterdam.

Entrance-facing tweener winner.

Completely pointless, however I completely find it irresistible.

Enjoying to entertain.

This man has a lot aptitude. 🇮🇹🪄

pic.twitter.com/5C7gHP740O

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 8, 2025

Alex landed 12 winners and 18 unforced errors. He had the higher hand from the baseline and welcomed 30 unforced errors from the lower-ranked rival. The Aussie made a dependable begin and overpowered the Italian on serve and return.

Bellucci squandered two recreation factors within the second recreation of the conflict. He hit a double fault on a break level to lose serve and fall 2-0 behind. De Minaur held at love for 3-0 and made one other push on the return in recreation six. Alex landed a volley winner to clinch a break and transfer 5-1 in entrance.

The third seed served for the opener in recreation seven and painted a forehand down the road winner, wrapping up the primary a part of the duel in 32 minutes. Alex managed the tempo in his video games within the second set and maintained the strain on the opposite aspect.

A left-hander squandered a recreation level at 1-1 and suffered a break when his forehand landed lengthy. Mattia performed one other unfastened service recreation at 1-3. He positioned a forehand lengthy to drop serve and discover himself additional behind.

Alex grabbed the sixth recreation with a service winner and served for the win at 5-2. The Aussie held at 30 to maneuver excessive in model and organize the title conflict versus Carlos Alcaraz.