On February 12, Day 4 of the 2026 Rotterdam Open will showcase several critical second-round matches as leading seeds—including Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Bublik, and Karen Khachanov—battle for spots deeper in the ATP 500 hardcourt tournament. Among them, former World No. 3 and two-time Major finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas aims to extend his strong early-season momentum on the Rotterdam Ahoy indoor courts.
The Rotterdam Open has drawn attention as a venue where Stefanos Tsitsipas Rotterdam 2026 efforts could signal a return to top form, with the Greek player poised to make a significant impact in this competitive field.
Tsitsipas Faces Dutch Contender in a Rematch
In Thursday’s highlighted clash, Stefanos Tsitsipas, ranked No. 32, is set to face Botic van de Zandschulp, the Dutch World No. 65 who enjoys home crowd support alongside fellow countryman Tallon Griekspoor. Van de Zandschulp advanced by defeating French qualifier Luka Pavlovic in the opening round, while Tsitsipas convincingly took down eighth seed Arthur Rinderknech.
The two competitors have met twice before, with Tsitsipas winning in straight sets on both occasions. Notably, those victories also took place on indoor hardcourts, suggesting the Greek player’s experience and playing style give him the edge in this rematch at Rotterdam Ahoy.
Predictions favor Tsitsipas to move forward, maintaining his advantage over the home favorite in their ongoing rivalry.
Bublik Expected to Challenge Jan-Lennard Struff
Jan-Lennard Struff, the seasoned 35-year-old from Germany, dominated his first-round match by thrashing French qualifier Hugo Grenier 6-0, 6-4. However, Struff faces a formidable opponent in Alexander Bublik, currently ranked World No. 10, who also overcame a tough challenge in his opener against former top 10 star Hubert Hurkacz.
Bublik dropped the first set but rallied to claim victory, demonstrating resilience and strong form to start 2026. His unpredictable game and recent success bolster his position as the likely winner in this second-round encounter with Struff.
De Minaur Aims to Overcome Veteran Wawrinka
Top seed Alex de Minaur impressed in his first-round victory against Arthur Fils and seeks to advance further by defeating 40-year-old tennis icon Stan Wawrinka. Despite his age, Wawrinka remains capable of exceptional performances, as shown in his initial match against a much younger Dutch qualifier.
Nevertheless, de Minaur’s quick court movement and sharp counterattacking skills are expected to pose a serious challenge for Wawrinka, potentially ending the Swiss player’s run and propelling the Australian into the quarterfinals for a chance at his third title attempt in Rotterdam.
Other Matches to Watch in Rotterdam’s Second Round
Several other notable contests are on Thursday’s schedule. Ugo Humbert is predicted to advance over Guy Den Ouden, while Karen Khachanov is favored to overcome Jaume Munar. In addition, Felix Auger-Aliassime continues his campaign against Hamad Medjedovic with strong expectations to move forward in the tournament.
Implications for the Tournament and Tsitsipas’ Season
The 2026 Rotterdam Open presents an important opportunity for Stefanos Tsitsipas to reaffirm his status among the world’s elite as he faces both rising stars and seasoned veterans. Success here could boost his rankings and confidence early in the year, setting a positive tone for upcoming events on the ATP Tour.
Meanwhile, other seeds like Alex de Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime are also under pressure to capitalize on their positions, underscoring the intensity and competitive balance of this ATP 500 event. As Rotterdam edges toward the latter rounds, the outcomes of these key second-round matches will significantly shape the tournament’s narrative and potential championship contenders.
