Carlos Alcaraz vs Andrea Vavassori Prediction & Picks - ATP Rotterdam

Prediction published on 2/6/25, 12:03 AM  by Lou Aguila | Modified on 2/6/25 at 12:08 AM in Tennis Picks

Alcaraz of Spain looks to move closer to the title as he faces an upset-minded Andrea Vavassori of Italy in Thursday's second round of the 2025 Rotterdam Open. Alcaraz, the heavy favorite to win one of the first ATP 500 events this year, survived a serious upset bid from Botic Van De Zandschulp of the Netherlands 7-6(3) 3-6 6-1. After coming up short in his quest to complete a career Grand Slam at the 2025 Australian Open title, Alcaraz entered the fray in Rotterdam as the No.1 seed following the withdrawal of defending champion Jannik Sinner. However, the Spaniard had no idea he would engage in a three-set duel with an inspired Zandschulp, who captured three break points in the first and second sets. Sensing danger, Alcaraz turned on the jets in the deciding sets to put his Dutch opponent away for good. Alcaraz won 68 percent of his first serves and converted 4 of 9 break point chances to eke out a shaky win.

Meanwhile, Andrea Vavasori has posted three consecutive victories to reach the second round. But his 6-7(3) 6-4 ret. win over the red-hot Felix Auger-Aliassime on Wednesday proved the biggest for the No. 317th-ranked Vavassori. The Italian gutted out the upset win by winning 84 percent of his first serves and holding all except one of his serves. Auger-Aliassime came into the tournament fresh off, winning his second ATP title at the 2025 Open Occitanie in Montpelier.