In the vibrant arena of Rome’s Foro Italico, Carlos Alcaraz is not just playing tennis—he’s rewriting the script of what it means to be a global sports icon. The 21-year-old Spaniard, a four-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, has kicked off his 2025 Italian Open campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory over Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic. But beyond the clay-court heroics, Alcaraz is capturing hearts with his unfiltered authenticity, laid bare in his Netflix documentary, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, released on April 23, 2025. As he navigates the pressures of stardom, Alcaraz remains steadfast in showing the world his true self, unbothered by critics and fueled by a passion for life both on and off the court.
The documentary, a raw and intimate portrait of Alcaraz’s 2024 season, peels back the curtain on the man behind the trophies. From his humble beginnings in El Palmar, Spain, to his electrifying triumphs at Wimbledon and the French Open, it showcases a young star who balances relentless ambition with an infectious zest for living. “Everyone knows the tennis player Carlos Alcaraz, but I want to show my personality off the court,” Alcaraz shared before the film’s release. “I think it’s a great story to tell, that of a little boy who pursued his dream to become world number 1.” His openness extends to candid moments—like a three-day Ibiza party before his 2024 Wimbledon title—revealing a player who embraces joy without apology.
In Rome, Alcaraz reflected on the documentary’s reception during a press conference, admitting initial nerves about public reaction. “I was nervous about people’s reactions because I didn’t know if people would like it or not,” he said. “Most of the reactions have been great. A lot of players came to me and told me that they loved it.” The film’s vocal media style, with Alcaraz narrating his own struggles and triumphs, adds a layer of authenticity. He speaks of self-doubt, the sacrifices his family made, and the mental toll of constant travel. “I wasn’t afraid of showing myself, or showing how Carlitos is a person, you know, and my behavior with my friends when I’m at home,” he told Tennis Channel, emphasizing his comfort with vulnerability.
Yet, not all feedback has been glowing. Some critics, including his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and agent Albert Molina, questioned his approach, particularly his fondness for social events over rigid discipline. In the documentary, Ferrero candidly doubts whether Alcaraz’s work ethic can match the Big Three—Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic—stating, “I’m starting to doubt whether Carlos can become the greatest player in history because of his approach to work and sacrifice.” Alcaraz, unfazed, addressed the backlash head-on: “One thing that I learned was about not thinking about anything the people say to me, or not the real people, my close people, my team, my family, or my close friends.” He defends his path, insisting, “Sometimes they found it, like, weird following that path, like enjoying life, not being such a professional that probably they could do it. But I just follow the things that I want.”
On the court, Alcaraz’s joy is his superpower. Against Lajovic, his trademark drop shots and fearless net play dazzled, while his fist-pumping “vamos” ignited the crowd. Off-court scenes in the documentary—sharing meals with family, joking with friends—paint a picture of a grounded superstar. “I’d like to be the greatest in history. It’s my dream,” he admits, but adds, “Having fun is key to me.” His simple lifestyle, still sleeping in a twin bed in his childhood home despite $39 million in prize money, underscores his humility.
As Alcaraz prepares for his next match, his rivalry with Jannik Sinner, dubbed “the toughest player you can compete against,” looms large. With the French Open approaching, Rome is a crucible for his clay-court ambitions. Whether he’s chasing records or dancing to his own rhythm, Alcaraz’s unfiltered approach is reshaping tennis. In a sport often cloaked in stoicism, his honesty and exuberance are a breath of fresh air, proving that greatness need not come at the cost of joy.
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