In a twist that captivated fans worldwide, Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old tennis sensation, traded his racket for a spatula just hours after announcing his withdrawal from the 2025 Madrid Open due to lingering injuries. The World No. 3, a two-time champion at the prestigious clay-court event, stunned audiences not with his forehand but with a newfound flair in the kitchen, showcasing a delightful dish of bread and eggs on a Spanish late-night cooking show alongside renowned chef and journalist David de Jorge.
Alcaraz’s decision to step back from the Madrid Open, a tournament he holds dear, was a heart-wrenching one. “Madrid is one of the special tournaments for me, it’s a tournament that I enjoy, I get to play in front of my fans, it’s one of the first tournaments I attended when I was a kid,” he shared during a press conference, his voice tinged with disappointment. The withdrawal stemmed from a right adductor injury sustained during the Barcelona Open final against Holger Rune, compounded by a left hamstring issue. “These types of decisions are not easy to make, but sometimes you have to think about your health and about what is important,” he added, emphasizing his focus on recovery for the upcoming French Open, where he is the defending champion. With a grueling schedule—10 matches in 12 days across Monte Carlo and Barcelona—Alcaraz acknowledged the toll of the “demanding sport” of tennis, noting, “Playing week after week, so many matches in a row, and you have to heal your body sometimes and take difficult decisions.”
Yet, rather than retreating into the shadows of recovery, Alcaraz embraced the spotlight in an unexpected way. His appearance on the cooking show revealed a side of the four-time Grand Slam champion rarely seen by fans. Known for his explosive athleticism and relentless drive, Alcaraz displayed a calm, creative energy as he crafted a simple yet flavorful dish. The Spaniard, who has never publicly highlighted his culinary interests, seemed at ease, laughing with de Jorge and sharing anecdotes about his life off the court. This moment of levity offered a refreshing contrast to the intensity of his professional journey, reminding fans of his multifaceted personality.
Alcaraz’s off-court passions are no secret. A fervent supporter of FC Barcelona, he unwinds with Spanish and Latin music and has taken up golf alongside his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, since the pandemic. However, his kitchen skills caught even his closest followers by surprise. The timing of the appearance, mere hours after his withdrawal, underscored his resilience and ability to find joy amid setbacks. “I’m not really worried about it,” he said of his injuries, exuding confidence in his recovery timeline. “I believe it’s going to take one week, one week and a half, two weeks maximum, but I won’t have doubts about coming back and moving 100% again.”
The Madrid Open, held at the Caja Mágica from April 23 to May 4, will miss its home-crowd favorite, who won in 2022 and 2023. Alcaraz’s absence opens opportunities for rivals like Alexander Zverev, who recently overtook him for the World No. 2 ranking, and Novak Djokovic, both in his half of the draw. Yet, Alcaraz’s focus remains forward-looking, with plans to compete in the Italian Open in Rome as a stepping stone to Roland Garros. His 24-5 record this season, including titles in Monte Carlo and Rotterdam, reflects a tenacity that transcends the court.
As Alcaraz navigates this challenging chapter, his culinary cameo serves as a testament to his ability to adapt and inspire. Whether wielding a racket or a whisk, the young star continues to captivate, proving that even in moments of pause, his charisma and determination shine through. Fans eagerly await his return to the clay, but for now, they savor the unexpected delight of seeing their champion conquer the kitchen.