At just 22, Carlos Alcaraz has scaled dizzying heights in tennis, securing five Grand Slam titles and etching his name alongside legends. Yet, beneath the Spaniard’s dazzling smile and explosive on-court brilliance lies a young man grappling with the weight of expectations and the toll of criticism. In a candid revelation before the 2025 US Open, Alcaraz opened up about his mental health challenges, admitting to battling negative thoughts and the struggle to tune out detractors. As he aims to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking and add to his major haul, Alcaraz’s vulnerability offers a poignant glimpse into the pressures facing one of tennis’s brightest stars.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a testament to his resilience. After a rocky start with early exits at Indian Wells and Miami, he roared back on clay, capturing titles in Monte Carlo, Rome, and a dramatic Roland Garros victory over Jannik Sinner in a five-set epic—the longest French Open final in history. His 48-6 win-loss record, including five ATP titles, underscores his dominance, yet the scrutiny has been relentless. Critics have questioned his consistency, particularly on hard courts, and some, including Toni Nadal, have suggested his off-court lifestyle lacks the discipline of Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic. “Sometimes I get negative thoughts,” Alcaraz confessed in a pre-US Open press conference. “I try not to think about it too much, because there was a time when I was really influenced by criticism, and that was a very difficult time for me.”
This admission highlights the mental toll of his meteoric rise. At 19, Alcaraz became the youngest world No. 1 in ATP history after winning the 2022 US Open. Since then, he’s added two Wimbledons, two French Opens, and a legion of fans captivated by his electrifying style. But the spotlight has brought challenges. “I like going out and having fun, like any 21 or 22-year-old,” he said, defending his need for balance. “But tennis comes first—I’m a professional.” His Netflix docuseries, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, released in April 2025, delves into this tension, showcasing his efforts to juggle global fame with a desire for normalcy. The series, praised by fans as “unfiltered,” reveals his reliance on coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and agent Albert Molina to stay grounded.
Alcaraz’s mental health struggles resonate in a sport increasingly open about psychological challenges. His Roland Garros triumph, where he saved three match points against Sinner, showcased his mental fortitude, yet he acknowledges room for growth. “So now I try not to give too much weight to certain words that are said,” he noted, reflecting on how criticism once overwhelmed him. Former world No. 6 Gilles Simon has defended Alcaraz, calling the backlash “unfair” given his five majors at 22—outpacing Nadal’s tally at the same age. “Constancy and maintaining the level high for a long time and consecutively is something we have been working on for a long time,” Alcaraz added, crediting new coach Samuel López for refining his game, particularly his serve and backhand.
Off the court, Alcaraz’s charisma shines through his Carlos Alcaraz Garfia Foundation, supporting disadvantaged youth in Murcia, and his aid for Valencia flood victims. These efforts counter narratives questioning his focus. “You don’t have to be a star every day; the important thing is to be consistent and strive to improve,” he said, a mantra guiding his preparation for the US Open, where he’s a favorite after his 2022 title. His technical improvements, including a stronger serve averaging 12 aces per match at Queen’s Club, signal progress. “I’m feeling like I’m starting to get it,” he said, exuding quiet confidence.
As Alcaraz rests in Ibiza before the hard-court swing, his openness about mental health sets him apart. Facing rivals like Sinner and Djokovic, who pushed him to a five-set Wimbledon final loss, Alcaraz’s journey is about more than titles—it’s about growth. “I want to have fun, try different things, make the people enjoy watching tennis,” he reiterated, echoing his 2023 philosophy. With his blend of talent, heart, and vulnerability, Alcaraz is not just chasing greatness but redefining it, proving that even champions wrestle with doubts—and emerge stronger.
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