As Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 3 and reigning French Open champion, gears up to defend his title at Roland Garros, starting May 25, 2025, former British No. 1 Tim Henman has pinpointed a critical area of concern in the Spaniard’s game: his occasional lack of discipline in shot selection. Despite Alcaraz’s dazzling clay-court form, highlighted by a recent 6-4, 6-4 victory over Jack Draper in the Italian Open semi-finals, Henman warns that lapses in tactical focus could jeopardize his ambitions of securing a second consecutive French Open crown. This insight, coming from a respected voice in tennis, casts a spotlight on the fine margins that separate Alcaraz from the sport’s all-time greats as he navigates a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career.
At just 22, Alcaraz has already cemented his status as a generational talent, with four Grand Slam titles, including the 2024 French Open and Wimbledon, and a 2025 season that boasts a Madrid Open title and a Rome final appearance. His semi-final win over Draper in Rome, where he unleashed 24 winners and overcame eight break points, underscored his explosive movement and versatile shot-making. “I’m happy to be feeling in a good rhythm again on clay in Rome,” Alcaraz said post-match, expressing confidence in his form. Yet, Henman, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, believes Alcaraz’s occasional dips in concentration—manifested through erratic shot choices—could prove costly against top-tier opponents like Alexander Zverev or Lorenzo Musetti, whom he faces in the Rome final.
Henman’s critique centers on Alcaraz’s tendency to prioritize flair over consistency. “I love watching him play, he’s absolutely brilliant, but there are times when he lacks the discipline around shot selection,” Henman observed. He contrasted Alcaraz with legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, noting that their relentless focus and strategic precision set a benchmark Alcaraz has yet to fully match. “When you are talking about building that Grand Slam tally and getting into double figures, that’s the question mark for me,” Henman added, suggesting that refining this aspect could elevate Alcaraz’s consistency and longevity at the elite level.
This flaw was evident in Rome, where Alcaraz’s 29 unforced errors against Draper nearly derailed his victory, particularly in a tense second set where he squandered a 4-2 lead before regrouping. Draper, reflecting on the match, acknowledged Alcaraz’s tactical edge: “Carlos was better tactically and emotionally than me. I could have tactically changed a few things better.” Alcaraz’s ability to “enjoy suffering,” as he put it, allowed him to navigate these lapses, but Henman warns that such moments could be exploited at Roland Garros, where mental and tactical resilience are paramount on the grueling clay.
Alcaraz’s clay season has been a mix of brilliance and vulnerability. After a shock Miami Open loss to David Goffin and a semi-final defeat to Draper at Indian Wells, he rebounded with a Madrid title, defeating Jannik Sinner in a thrilling final. His Rome run, marking his 28th win of 2025, has restored his status as the No. 2 seed for the French Open, avoiding a semi-final clash with Sinner. “I feel like I’ve never really played really good, confident tennis there,” Alcaraz admitted, referencing past struggles at Roland Garros before last year’s triumph. This hunger to dominate on clay fuels his preparation, with Monte Carlo and Barcelona serving as crucial tune-ups.
Henman remains optimistic, emphasizing that Alcaraz’s youth and talent make improvement inevitable. “He’s one of the best players in the world, so I think he’s capable of winning any tournament he enters,” he said, predicting a strong clay campaign. Alcaraz’s forehand, which Henman once clocked at 162 km/h, and his peerless movement—described as “as good as I’ve ever seen”—make him a favorite, provided he sharpens his decision-making. As Roland Garros approaches, Alcaraz’s challenge is clear: harness his electrifying style with the discipline of a champion to silence doubters and cement his legacy on the sport’s grandest clay stage.
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