As the 2025 French Open looms, kicking off on May 25 at Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz is radiating confidence and charisma in his quest to defend his title. The 22-year-old Spaniard, now ranked world No. 2, arrives in Paris fresh off a dominant clay season, having clinched titles in Monte Carlo and Rome. His infectious enthusiasm was palpable during a recent press conference, where he declared, “I’m here to have fun and enjoy.” This joyful mindset, paired with his formidable game, positions Alcaraz as a leading contender to become the first man since Rafael Nadal to win back-to-back French Open titles. Facing Italy’s Giulio Zeppieri in his opening match, Alcaraz is ready to embrace the challenge on the red clay, a surface he’s grown to love.
Alcaraz’s 2024 French Open triumph was a career-defining moment, marking his first title at Roland Garros and his third Grand Slam overall, following victories at the 2022 US Open and 2023 Wimbledon. Overcoming a forearm injury that sidelined him for much of last year’s clay swing, he battled through a five-set epic against Alexander Zverev in the final, winning 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2. “You have to find the joy [while] suffering. That’s the key — even more on clay, here at Roland Garros. Long rallies. Four-hour matches. Five sets,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on the grueling nature of clay-court tennis. His ability to thrive in adversity was evident in his semi-final against Jannik Sinner, where he rallied from a two-sets-to-one deficit to secure a 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory. That win, coupled with his resilience against cramps—a lesson learned from his 2023 semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic—cemented his status as a clay-court force.
This year, Alcaraz’s preparation has been near flawless. His 15-1 record on clay in 2025, bolstered by a straight-sets win over Sinner in the Rome final, has erased any lingering doubts about his form. “It’s been a great clay season so far,” he said after the French Open draw, exuding confidence as he prepares to face Zeppieri, a qualifier ranked outside the top 100. Alcaraz’s draw is relatively kind, with potential challenges like Denis Shapovalov in the third round, Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth, and a blockbuster quarter-final against Novak Djokovic, the three-time champion chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam. A semi-final clash with Casper Ruud, a two-time finalist, could follow, but Alcaraz’s relentless offense and improved movement on clay make him a formidable opponent. “I’ve managed to raise my game on clay, I feel good and my game suits the surface,” he told reporters, highlighting his growing affinity for the surface he once watched idol Rafael Nadal dominate.
Beyond his on-court prowess, Alcaraz’s off-court antics have added a playful dimension to his Paris preparations. In a promotional stunt, he went incognito, donning sunglasses and a cap to sell sunscreen to unsuspecting fans at Roland Garros. “I’m super excited about this prank. We’re gonna sell some sunscreens. So, let’s see how it’s gonna be,” he said, laughing as fans speculated about the tournament favorite—unaware they were speaking to him. When one fan predicted, “Alcaraz is good, I mean he’s in good shape,” he cheekily replied, “Alcaraz is struggling with an injury,” keeping his identity under wraps. This lighthearted moment underscores his desire to connect with fans and maintain a down-to-earth persona. “I’ve always been able to say, ‘Ok, I’m living my childhood dream. There’s no need to get angry, no time to lose with frustration,’” he said, crediting his family and team for keeping him grounded.
Alcaraz’s preference for day matches over night sessions, citing Paris’s chilly evenings, reflects his attention to detail. “Honestly, I prefer to play a day because I don’t really like the cold,” he admitted with a laugh during a media session. His 30-5 record this season, including three titles, showcases his versatility, but it’s his mental approach that sets him apart. “I know that when I’m playing a fifth set, you have to give everything and you have to give your heart,” he said after last year’s final, a mindset he’ll carry into 2025. With Sinner, the world No. 1, on the opposite side of the draw, a potential final rematch looms, promising a clash of tennis’s brightest stars. As Alcaraz steps onto Court Philippe Chatrier, his joy and hunger signal a champion ready to etch his name deeper into Roland Garros history.
As the 2025 French Open looms, kicking off on May 25 at Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz is radiating confidence and charisma in his quest to defend his title. The 22-year-old Spaniard, now ranked world No. 2, arrives in Paris fresh off a dominant clay season, having clinched titles in Monte Carlo and Rome. His infectious enthusiasm was palpable during a recent press conference, where he declared, “I’m here to have fun and enjoy.” This joyful mindset, paired with his formidable game, positions Alcaraz as a leading contender to become the first man since Rafael Nadal to win back-to-back French Open titles. Facing Italy’s Giulio Zeppieri in his opening match, Alcaraz is ready to embrace the challenge on the red clay, a surface he’s grown to love.
Alcaraz’s 2024 French Open triumph was a career-defining moment, marking his first title at Roland Garros and his third Grand Slam overall, following victories at the 2022 US Open and 2023 Wimbledon. Overcoming a forearm injury that sidelined him for much of last year’s clay swing, he battled through a five-set epic against Alexander Zverev in the final, winning 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2. “You have to find the joy [while] suffering. That’s the key — even more on clay, here at Roland Garros. Long rallies. Four-hour matches. Five sets,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on the grueling nature of clay-court tennis. His ability to thrive in adversity was evident in his semi-final against Jannik Sinner, where he rallied from a two-sets-to-one deficit to secure a 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory. That win, coupled with his resilience against cramps—a lesson learned from his 2023 semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic—cemented his status as a clay-court force.
This year, Alcaraz’s preparation has been near flawless. His 15-1 record on clay in 2025, bolstered by a straight-sets win over Sinner in the Rome final, has erased any lingering doubts about his form. “It’s been a great clay season so far,” he said after the French Open draw, exuding confidence as he prepares to face Zeppieri, a qualifier ranked outside the top 100. Alcaraz’s draw is relatively kind, with potential challenges like Denis Shapovalov in the third round, Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth, and a blockbuster quarter-final against Novak Djokovic, the three-time champion chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam. A semi-final clash with Casper Ruud, a two-time finalist, could follow, but Alcaraz’s relentless offense and improved movement on clay make him a formidable opponent. “I’ve managed to raise my game on clay, I feel good and my game suits the surface,” he told reporters, highlighting his growing affinity for the surface he once watched idol Rafael Nadal dominate.
Beyond his on-court prowess, Alcaraz’s off-court antics have added a playful dimension to his Paris preparations. In a promotional stunt, he went incognito, donning sunglasses and a cap to sell sunscreen to unsuspecting fans at Roland Garros. “I’m super excited about this prank. We’re gonna sell some sunscreens. So, let’s see how it’s gonna be,” he said, laughing as fans speculated about the tournament favorite—unaware they were speaking to him. When one fan predicted, “Alcaraz is good, I mean he’s in good shape,” he cheekily replied, “Alcaraz is struggling with an injury,” keeping his identity under wraps. This lighthearted moment underscores his desire to connect with fans and maintain a down-to-earth persona. “I’ve always been able to say, ‘Ok, I’m living my childhood dream. There’s no need to get angry, no time to lose with frustration,’” he said, crediting his family and team for keeping him grounded.
Alcaraz’s preference for day matches over night sessions, citing Paris’s chilly evenings, reflects his attention to detail. “Honestly, I prefer to play a day because I don’t really like the cold,” he admitted with a laugh during a media session. His 30-5 record this season, including three titles, showcases his versatility, but it’s his mental approach that sets him apart. “I know that when I’m playing a fifth set, you have to give everything and you have to give your heart,” he said after last year’s final, a mindset he’ll carry into 2025. With Sinner, the world No. 1, on the opposite side of the draw, a potential final rematch looms, promising a clash of tennis’s brightest stars. As Alcaraz steps onto Court Philippe Chatrier, his joy and hunger signal a champion ready to etch his name deeper into Roland Garros history.
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