Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to withdraw from the 2026 ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam has reshaped the competitive landscape of one of the ATP Tour’s strongest early-season events. With the world No. 1 out of the field, several contenders now find themselves in a far more favorable position.
Zverev and Medvedev Emerge as Leading Beneficiaries
Alexander Zverev appears to be one of the biggest winners of Alcaraz’s withdrawal. The German has long been a reliable performer on fast indoor hard courts and now enters the tournament with a clearer path toward the latter stages. Removing a potential early clash with the world No. 1 significantly boosts Zverev’s chances in Rotterdam.
Daniil Medvedev is another player well positioned to capitalize. A former world No. 1, Medvedev’s flat groundstrokes and elite return game are particularly effective in controlled indoor conditions. With one of the tour’s most explosive competitors out of the draw, the Russian could quietly assert himself as the most complete player remaining.
Opportunities for De Minaur and Hurkacz
Alex de Minaur and Hubert Hurkacz also stand to gain from the altered field. De Minaur’s speed, defensive skills and improving indoor results make him a strong candidate for a deep run, especially in a more open draw.
Hurkacz, meanwhile, remains one of the most dangerous big servers on the ATP Tour. On a fast indoor surface, his serve can dictate matches, and Alcaraz’s absence increases the likelihood of favorable matchups as the tournament progresses.
A More Open Draw in Rotterdam
Beyond the established contenders, Alcaraz’s withdrawal could create opportunities for dark horses and aggressive players who thrive indoors. Rotterdam is known for tight margins and quick points, and a less top-heavy field often leads to unexpected runs.
With the ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam scheduled for February 9–15, 2026, further changes to the entry list remain possible. However, one thing is already clear: Alcaraz’s absence has shifted the balance of power, making the tournament even more intriguing as the European indoor season gets underway.
For a full tournament overview, see our ABN AMRO Open Rotterdam 2026 preview.
