‘Flying Like a Butterfly’ – Carlos Alcaraz Playfully Taunts Stefanos Tsitsipas in a Thrilling ‘Do or Dice’ Challenge

Carlos Alcaraz will be in action again, with the ATP Rotterdam this week. After his impressive, yet, unsuccessful run at the Australian Open last month, it will be the first event for the former World No.1 in 2025. The four-time Major winner made it to the QF round down under but failed to enter the semis after a heartbreaking defeat against Novak Djokovic. But Alcaraz seems to have left the disappointment behind. It becomes evident from the 21-year-old’s antics during a fun battle with his Greek rival and off-court friend Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The official Instagram account of Tennis TV shared a clip on Tuesday featuring Alcaraz and Tsitsipas. The two were seen having moments of entertainment ahead of their respective clashes in Rotterdam. The two ATP pros had to battle it out in a ‘Do or Dice Challenge’ featuring a seven-point tie-break. The catch was that both of them had to roll the dice every two points. After rolling, the number would give them a difficulty modifier to play the next two points.

For example, rolling a six on the dice allowed them to play normally with their usual dominant hands. But having a one, two, three, four, or five meant that they had to play: wrong-handed, using just serve and volley, assuming the backcourt as lava, using only forehands, and using only their backhands. Now can you guess who emerged as the ultimate winner in this challenge? Well, it was Tsitsipas! Eventually, he managed to get to seven points before Alcaraz. Not to mention there were some hilarious instances as well in this battle.

For example, when Tsitsipas was leading 2-0, he rolled up the dice and got the challenge to play using just backhand strokes. While he won this challenge and took a 3-0 lead over Alcaraz, the latter couldn’t stop laughing seeing how the Greek was moving on the court, trying to just hit the ball with a backhand. “I mean I couldn’t hit the ball. I mean, Stefanos was like flying like a butterfly,” Alcaraz said.

While Alcaraz lost the ‘Do or Dice’ challenge 3-7, it will surely not bother him too much. It’s because he’s got an actual, competitive battle lying ahead, in his first-round match in Rotterdam.

Carlos Alcaraz to feature at ATP Rotterdam after Australian Open heartbreak

Carlos Alcaraz had an edge over Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinal battle at the AO. He snatched the clinched the opening set, 6-4, against the Serbian. But Djokovic bounced back, taking the next three sets. The 24-time Major winner proved too much for the Spaniard and eventually won with a score line of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

However, the Spaniard was not overly disappointed about his run Down Under. Reflecting on his performance against Djokovic, he said, “I really wanted to win the tournament and felt I was able to but Novak played an unbelievable match. Facing Novak in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam is the worst thing. It was a pretty good match. I have tried to take the good things about that match and will look ahead now”

In his next appearance on the court, the Spaniard will now begin his singles campaign at ATP Rotterdam on Wednesday. He will be up against The Netherlands’ Botic Van de Zandschulp. While the four-time Major champion is leading the h2h tally 2-1, he will have to be wary of Zandschulp’s challenge. In their last encounter, at the US Open in September, Zandschulp was the one who ousted Alcaraz in the second round. He beat him 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 in straight sets.

It will be intriguing to see if the Spaniard can avenge that loss. What are your thoughts on Alcaraz’s chances in Rotterdam? Can he go all the way and lift the title? Let us know in the comments below.