As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 French Open, Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish sensation, is basking in the glow of a calculated gamble that paid off spectacularly. Former world No. 9 Andrea Petkovic, now a respected commentator, has hailed Alcaraz’s decision to withdraw from the 2025 Madrid Open as a “move worth gold,” a choice that showcased his maturity and paved the way for his commanding victory at the Italian Open. With Roland Garros on the horizon, where Alcaraz is seeded No. 2 and defending his 2024 title, Petkovic’s praise underscores the young star’s growing wisdom in balancing ambition with physical preservation, setting the stage for a thrilling campaign on the Parisian clay.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a masterclass in dominance, with a 24-5 record and titles in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, and Rome, amassing 3,740 ATP points to lead the race to the ATP Finals. His withdrawal from Madrid, a tournament where he was a two-time champion, came as a shock, especially given the heavy promotion of his Netflix documentary, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, which featured prominently during the event. “What I wanted to say about Carlos, because we have talked about it, Boris, you above all, that he has to be careful with his body, how he keeps up with his energy,” Petkovic said on the Becker Petkovic podcast, co-hosted with tennis legend Boris Becker. She highlighted the decision as a “step in the right direction,” noting that Alcaraz’s choice to prioritize recovery over a home tournament demonstrated a newfound discipline. Becker echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Alcaraz owning the decision: “I hope it was his decision that he didn’t play in Madrid, and of course, he asked his coach and his agent. I hope Carlos decided for himself, and he did everything right.”
The move proved prescient. Alcaraz returned to competition in Rome, where he clinched the Italian Open title, a triumph Becker deemed more significant for him than for world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. “This victory was more important for Alcaraz than for Sinner,” Becker said, pointing to the Spaniard’s need to regain momentum on clay after an adductor injury sidelined him in Madrid. Alcaraz’s Rome campaign showcased his explosive all-court game, blending ferocious groundstrokes, deft drop shots, and relentless athleticism. His ability to adapt under pressure—honed through comebacks against Sinner and Alexander Zverev in 2024 finals—silenced critics who had questioned his consistency. In Rome, he navigated a tough draw, defeating formidable opponents to lift the trophy, a testament to his resilience and strategic foresight.
Petkovic’s praise comes amid a complex narrative surrounding Alcaraz. In late 2024, she sparked controversy by critiquing his lack of a “plan B” on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, stating, “When Carlos is bad, he is f*cking horrendous. He doesn’t have a plan B.” Fans fiercely defended Alcaraz, with one calling her take “horrendous” and citing his adaptability in winning four Grand Slams across three surfaces by age 21. “It’s absurd to expect consistency at this age,” another fan argued, pointing to his 2024 French Open and Wimbledon titles, where he rallied from deficits. Petkovic’s recent comments shift the narrative, acknowledging Alcaraz’s growth. “I felt his move to withdraw from Madrid was the first step in the right direction,” she reiterated, applauding his ability to prioritize long-term success over short-term expectations.
Alcaraz’s 2024 season was a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. He clinched four titles, including the French Open (defeating Zverev 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2) and Wimbledon (beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets), plus an Olympic silver medal. Yet, early exits in Cincinnati, Shanghai, and the ATP Finals exposed vulnerabilities, particularly on faster hard courts. His Madrid withdrawal, driven by a need to manage his physical load, allowed him to reset and dominate in Rome, reinforcing his status as a clay-court titan. “I am a very ambitious person and I want to win the Australian Open to complete the Career Grand Slam,” Alcaraz said, eyeing a historic milestone in 2025 that would make him the youngest man to achieve it, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s record.
As Roland Garros begins on May 25, Alcaraz faces Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the first round, with a potential blockbuster against Sinner in the semi-finals. Petkovic’s endorsement highlights a maturing champion who balances prodigious talent with strategic restraint. His ability to make tough calls, like skipping Madrid, signals a player poised to dominate for years, blending youthful exuberance with the wisdom of a veteran.
# Alcaraz’s Golden Move Praised by Petkovic
Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the 2025 Madrid Open, a bold decision, earned high praise from Andrea Petkovic as a “move worth gold” after he clinched the Italian Open. The move showcased his maturity as he prepares to defend his French Open title.
Petkovic, on the Becker Petkovic podcast, lauded Alcaraz’s choice: “What I wanted to say about Carlos, because we have talked about it, Boris, you above all, that he has to be careful with his body, how he keeps up with his energy. I felt his move to withdraw from Madrid was the first step in the right direction.” Boris Becker agreed, noting, “I hope Carlos decided for himself, and he did everything right.” His Rome victory, Becker added, “was more important for Alcaraz than for [Jannik] Sinner.”
Alcaraz’s 24-5 record in 2025, with titles in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, and Rome, underscores his dominance. His Madrid exit, despite his documentary’s promotion, prioritized recovery from an adductor injury. In 2024, he won four titles, including the French Open and Wimbledon, rallying from deficits. Petkovic previously criticized his lack of a “plan B,” saying, “When Carlos is bad, he is f*cking horrendous.” Fans countered, with one noting, “It’s absurd to expect consistency at this age.”
Facing Kei Nishikori at Roland Garros, Alcaraz aims for a fifth Grand Slam, with ambitions to complete the Career Grand Slam at the 2025 Australian Open. Petkovic’s praise highlights his strategic growth, blending talent with discipline.
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