Carlos Alcaraz is set to return to action at the ATP Rotterdam tournament, marking his first appearance since the Australian Open last month. The four-time Grand Slam champion had a commendable but ultimately unsuccessful campaign in Melbourne, reaching the quarterfinals before suffering a hard-fought defeat against Novak Djokovic. Despite the setback, Alcaraz appears to have put the disappointment behind him, as evidenced by his lighthearted engagement in an entertaining challenge alongside Greek rival and friend Stefanos Tsitsipas.

A video shared by Tennis TV captured Alcaraz and Tsitsipas participating in the ‘Do or Dice Challenge,’ a seven-point tiebreak with unique constraints. Every two points, the players were required to roll a die, with the number dictating a special condition for the subsequent points. A roll of six permitted them to play as usual, while lower numbers imposed restrictions such as using the non-dominant hand, playing exclusively with forehands or backhands, serving and volleying only, or treating the backcourt as inaccessible.

In a lighthearted yet competitive match, Tsitsipas emerged victorious with a 7-3 scoreline. The challenge produced several amusing moments, notably when Tsitsipas, leading 2-0, rolled a number requiring him to use only his backhand. Despite the restriction, he extended his lead to 3-0, prompting laughter from Alcaraz. Reflecting on the moment, the Spaniard remarked, “I mean, I couldn’t hit the ball. I mean, Stefanos was like flying like a butterfly.”

Although Alcaraz did not claim victory in the challenge, his focus remains on the real competition ahead. As he prepares for his opening-round match in Rotterdam, the former world No. 1 will look to build on his momentum and make a strong start to his 2025 season.

Alcaraz in Rotterdam, ranking, and results in 2025

Now ranked no.3, the Spaniard has managed to achieve a composed 5-1 match record in 2025. Carlos is now playing in Rotterdam where he ousted the world no.84 Botic Van De Zandschulp 7-6(3) 3-6 6-1

.

Alcaraz won 17 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)

He is also scheduled to play in Doha (Qatar ExxonMobil Open)

. The main draw will start on the 17th of February.

Tsitsipas in Rotterdam, ranking, and results in 2025

Now the world no.12, Stefanos has managed to achieve a 2-2 record in 2025. The Greek is playing in Rotterdam where he bested the world no.138 Harold Mayot 6-1 7-5.

The Greek won 12 titles in his career: 1 on hard courts, 5 on clay courts, 5 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)

He is also scheduled to play in Doha (Qatar ExxonMobil Open) on the 17th of February and Dubai (Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships) on the 24th of February.

Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas played each other 6 times. Their current head to head is 6-0 for Alcaraz. The last time they fought against each other, Carlos Alcaraz won 6-3 7-6(3) 6-4 in the quarter in Paris (French Open) in June 2024.

In the video below you can watch the highlights.