On May 8, 2025, as the sun bathed the red clay of Rome’s Foro Italico, Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old tennis prodigy, stepped into the spotlight not just for his upcoming second-round match against Dusan Lajovic at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, but for his defiant response to critics of his Netflix docuseries, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*. Released on April 23, the three-part series has sparked heated debate over Alcaraz’s candid revelations about his mental health struggles and unapologetic off-court escapades. In a press conference, the world No. 3 delivered a resolute message: “I learned not thinking about anything the people say to me,” a declaration that encapsulates his resolve to carve his own path amid the pressures of global stardom.
The docuseries, directed by Jorge Laplace, offers an unfiltered look at Alcaraz’s 2024 season, a year that saw him clinch French Open and Wimbledon titles but also grapple with emotional lows. His tearful admission after losing to Novak Djokovic in the 2024 Olympic final—“I’ve taken steps backwards, like I’m not doing well mentally, I’m not strong”—struck a chord with fans, revealing a vulnerability rare for a four-time Grand Slam champion. Yet, it was his Ibiza escapades that ignited controversy. Alcaraz admitted to defying his team’s advice, first partying after a 2023 Roland Garros semifinal loss to Djokovic and again before his 2024 Wimbledon triumph. “In Ibiza… I’m not going to lie to you. It’s partying and going out. I went there to have a blast,” he confessed, prompting criticism from figures like former world No. 9 Nicolas Almagro, who argued Alcaraz lacks the discipline of Djokovic or Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz’s response to the backlash, delivered with the same conviction that powers his forehands, reflects his growth. “I’m just focused on my game, on being better every day,” he said in Rome, echoing his documentary’s theme of finding joy amid pressure. The series showcases his life in Murcia, where he returns to a modest twin-sized bed and family dinners after tournaments. “I come here after every tournament. This is my quiet place,” he said, highlighting his need for normalcy despite $40 million in prize money. His mother, Virginia Garfia Escandon, emphasizes happiness over relentless ambition, a perspective Alcaraz credits for his mental resilience.
Support has poured in from peers like Jessica Pegula, who praised the series for showing “the human side of athletes.” “We are not robots,” she said, defending Alcaraz’s right to live fully at 22. Posts on X reflect fan admiration, with one user noting, “Let Alcaraz party and enjoy his tennis if that’s what he needs to produce genius.” Yet, coach Juan Carlos Ferrero’s disapproval of the Ibiza trips—“If you go to Ibiza for six days and go out every day, you have done everything but rest”—underscored tensions within Alcaraz’s camp. Former No. 1 Carlos Moya, however, backed Alcaraz’s balance, stating, “He’s living in the moment, has already won four Slams, which we sometimes forget.”
In Rome, Alcaraz is rebuilding after an adductor injury forced his Madrid Open withdrawal. His 6-2 practice win over Alex de Minaur signals readiness, but a tough draw—potentially facing Holger Rune or Alexander Zverev—looms. A deep run could see him overtake Zverev for No. 2, bolstering his Roland Garros defense. Off the court, his advocacy for fairer prize money and support for players like Sara Sorribes Tormo reflect his broader vision. “I just really wanted people to enjoy watching it,” he said of the documentary, which has earned praise for its authenticity. As Alcaraz navigates fame, his defiance of critics—rooted in a refusal to be “enslaved to tennis”—is a testament to a champion who plays, and lives, on his own terms.
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