Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis prodigy, has been riding a wave of success in 2025, with his recent Monte Carlo Masters victory marking his second ATP title of the season. The World No. 2, who also claimed the Rotterdam Open earlier this year, has now surpassed $40 million in career earnings, a testament to his meteoric rise. However, tennis legend Jimmy Connors, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, has offered pointed advice for Alcaraz’s next steps, emphasizing the need for relentless effort to maintain his edge. Speaking on his *Advantage Connors* podcast, Connors urged the young star to “keep grinding,” highlighting that persistence is key to transforming even subpar performances into victories.
Alcaraz’s Monte Carlo triumph was a masterclass in resilience. Facing Lorenzo Musetti in the final, he showcased his signature blend of explosive forehands, deft drop shots, and relentless court coverage to secure the title. This victory came on the heels of a disappointing first-round exit at the Miami Open, underscoring Alcaraz’s ability to rebound from setbacks. “I take a lot of confidence from this week,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on how the Monte Carlo win has bolstered his preparation for the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 events. His performance in Monaco, coupled with his Rotterdam success, has solidified his reputation as an all-surface threat, with titles on clay, grass, and indoor and outdoor hard courts.
Connors, a former World No. 1 who held the top ranking for 160 consecutive weeks, believes Alcaraz’s work ethic will determine his longevity at the top. “When you keep grinding, the better player, not always but the majority of the time, is going to come out on top,” Connors advised, suggesting that Alcaraz’s ability to problem-solve during matches—turning 70 or 80% efforts into wins—sets him apart. This advice resonates with Alcaraz’s current trajectory, as he navigates a competitive landscape where rivals like Jannik Sinner, the World No. 1, and emerging talents like Holger Rune are closing the gap. Connors previously noted that players have begun to decipher Alcaraz’s aggressive style, which initially caught opponents off guard. “Maybe he needs to change up a little bit and try to figure out something else,” Connors suggested in 2024, advocating for subtle tactical adjustments to stay ahead.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a mix of brilliance and challenges. His Australian Open campaign ended in a quarterfinal loss to Novak Djokovic, but his Rotterdam title—his first on indoor hard courts—surprised even Connors, who remarked, “I was surprised that it was his first indoor hardcourt title.” Now, as Alcaraz competes in the Barcelona Open, where he has reached the quarterfinals, he aims to build on his clay-court dominance. With a 13-match winning streak at the event and back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, Alcaraz is a favorite to claim another crown. His debut at the Qatar Open looms next, where he’ll face a stacked field including Djokovic, Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Alex de Minaur, testing his ability to sustain his form.
Connors’ guidance comes from a place of experience and admiration. Having praised Alcaraz as “the future of tennis” after his 2023 Wimbledon victory, Connors sees the Spaniard’s passion and maturity as key to his potential. He once predicted Alcaraz could win 15 Grand Slams if he maintains his hunger and avoids complacency. Yet, Connors has also voiced concerns about Alcaraz’s physical demands, noting in 2023, “If Carlos is facing that now, what will it be like a few years on the road?” Injuries, including a recent Grade 2 ankle sprain, have occasionally sidelined Alcaraz, but his commitment to fitness and recovery has kept him in contention.
As Alcaraz chases more titles, Connors’ call to “keep grinding” serves as both a reminder and a rallying cry. With the clay season in full swing and the French Open on the horizon, Alcaraz’s ability to adapt, endure, and evolve will define his path. His rivalry with Sinner, who leads their head-to-head 4-3, and the emergence of players like Rune ensure that every match is a battle. For now, Alcaraz’s focus remains clear: harness his Monte Carlo momentum, refine his game, and prove that his grind can outlast any challenge.