Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis prodigy, has already etched his name in history with four Grand Slam titles, including the 2022 US Open and 2023 Wimbledon. Yet, as he aims to join the ranks of legends like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, a compatriot has raised eyebrows about his off-court habits. Roberto Bautista Agut, a seasoned 37-year-old veteran and former top-10 player, has sparked conversation with pointed remarks about Alcaraz’s lifestyle, suggesting that late nights could hinder his pursuit of tennis immortality. “I don’t think Carlos will win Grand Slams by going to bed at seven in the morning,” Bautista Agut said, reflecting on Alcaraz’s ambitions after his second-round loss to Alexander Zverev at the 2025 Madrid Open.
Alcaraz’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. At 19, he became the youngest world No. 1, and his electrifying play—blending power, speed, and flair—has drawn comparisons to the sport’s “Big 3.” However, a recent Netflix documentary, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, offered fans a glimpse into his life beyond the court, revealing a penchant for late-night socializing. In one candid moment, Alcaraz admitted to partying in Ibiza before his 2023 Wimbledon triumph, saying, “I went there basically to let loose… Ibiza is partying and going out. When I have something like that, I make the most of it.” While he won Queen’s Club and Wimbledon shortly after, Bautista Agut warns that such habits may not sustain a 15-year career at the elite level required to match the Big 3’s Grand Slam hauls. “Tennis at the highest level demands a lot,” he said. “Now everything is great, he’s young, but if he wants to equal the numbers of the three greats, he has to play at a top level for 15 years.”
Bautista Agut’s comments, made in the mixed zone at Madrid’s Caja Mágica, come at a time when Alcaraz is sidelined by a psoas injury sustained during the Barcelona ATP 500 final against Holger Rune. His withdrawal from the Madrid Open, where he was a two-time champion, has shifted focus to his preparation for Roland Garros, where he defends his 2024 title, and Wimbledon. The injury, coupled with Bautista Agut’s critique, has ignited debate about whether Alcaraz’s approach—balancing intense training with a vibrant social life—can coexist with his lofty goals. “He’s an intelligent player and person,” Bautista Agut added optimistically. “Little by little, he’s going to realize what needs to be done to last at the highest level and will apply it.”
The documentary has fueled this narrative, showcasing Alcaraz’s mental fatigue after the 2023 French Open semifinal loss to Djokovic. “I was 24/7 thinking about tennis,” he said, explaining his need for a break. His Ibiza escapade, far from derailing him, preceded a career-defining grass-court season, raising questions about whether his unconventional approach might be a strength. Alcaraz himself doesn’t attribute his Wimbledon win to partying but sees value in repeating what works: “I don’t say I won because of the party, but those days went well for me.”
Bautista Agut, a Davis Cup teammate and mentor figure, isn’t dismissing Alcaraz’s potential. His 12 career titles, including ATP 500 events, pale in comparison to Alcaraz’s achievements, yet his experience lends weight to his advice. Having faced Alcaraz in three ATP matches—all losses, including a 6-2, 6-0 drubbing at 2022 Indian Wells—Bautista Agut respects his compatriot’s talent. “I consider him a great player,” he said, emphasizing that maturity will guide Alcaraz toward the discipline needed for longevity.
The Spanish tennis landscape, once dominated by Nadal and a robust top-100 contingent, now leans heavily on Alcaraz. With only six Spaniards in the Madrid main draw and Bautista Agut among the few to win a match, the pressure on Alcaraz is immense. Novak Djokovic, who begins his Madrid campaign on April 27, has praised Alcaraz’s level as comparable to the Big 3, yet Bautista Agut’s words echo a broader sentiment: precocity must evolve into consistency. As Alcaraz eyes Rome and Roland Garros, the tennis world watches to see if he’ll temper his late nights or prove that his way—party and all—can still yield Majors.