In the sweltering heat of Doha, Carlos Alcaraz’s 2025 Qatar Open campaign ended in a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the tennis world. The 21-year-old Spaniard, ranked world No. 3, fell to the unseeded Jiri Lehecka in a gripping quarterfinal clash on February 21, losing 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 despite holding a commanding 4-2 lead in the deciding set. The defeat, which snapped Alcaraz’s 12-match win streak, drew sharp criticism from commentators who questioned his consistency at critical moments. But tennis legend Boris Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, swiftly came to the young star’s defense, offering a perspective rooted in his own experience as a teenage prodigy.
Alcaraz’s match against Lehecka was a tale of resilience and missed opportunities. The top seed struggled early, dropping the first set 3-6 as Lehecka’s fearless aggression disrupted his rhythm. Undeterred, Alcaraz fought back, dominating the second set 6-3 with the explosive groundstrokes and relentless energy that have made him a fan favorite. In the decider, he surged to a 4-2, 40-30 lead, poised to seize control with a break point in hand. Yet, in a dramatic twist, Lehecka battled back, winning the seventh game and rattling off three straight games to clinch a 6-4 victory. “I don’t know what I could have done better,” a reflective Alcaraz said post-match, pinpointing the missed break point as a turning point. He acknowledged Lehecka’s brilliance, noting that the Czech began playing “great tennis” after surviving that crucial moment.
The loss sparked immediate scrutiny, with tennis journalist Jose Morgado taking to social media to critique Alcaraz’s performance. Morgado called Alcaraz’s collapse “unacceptable at this level,” lamenting how the Spaniard “completely disappeared from the court” for significant stretches of the match. The harsh words echoed broader concerns about Alcaraz’s consistency, especially after a 2024 season that saw him win two Grand Slams but falter in key moments, including early exits at Cincinnati, the US Open, and Paris. For a player who has already claimed four Major titles and a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics, such criticism carries weight, amplifying the pressure on his young shoulders.
Enter Boris Becker, whose own career was defined by meteoric success and the challenges of sustaining it. Responding to the criticism, Becker took to X, writing, “Carlos is still very young (21), consistency will come with age … but still love his style and charisma!” His words were a reminder of Alcaraz’s youth and potential, drawing parallels to Becker’s own journey as a 17-year-old Wimbledon champion. Becker’s defense was not just a reaction to Doha but part of a broader advocacy for Alcaraz. At the Laureus Awards in Madrid in April 2025, Becker revealed a private conversation with the Spaniard, warning him about burnout and urging those around him to “protect Carlos from himself.” “We’re talking about a 21-year-old who couldn’t cope with the expectations and the pressure anymore,” Becker had said, emphasizing the mental health toll of a relentless schedule.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season, despite the Doha setback, has been impressive. With an 11-2 record, he reached the Australian Open quarterfinals and claimed the Rotterdam title, his first indoor hardcourt triumph. His ambition to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking remains alive, especially with rival Jannik Sinner sidelined by a doping suspension until May. “Whether Jannik plays or not, we try to do well in every tournament because number one is an objective,” Alcaraz told reporters, showcasing his competitive drive. His next challenge is the Indian Wells Masters in March, where he aims to defend his title and silence doubters.
Becker’s support underscores a universal truth in tennis: even the brightest stars face growing pains. Alcaraz, with his infectious smile and electrifying game, has already achieved what many can only dream of. “He’s a diamond,” Becker declared at the Laureus Awards, a sentiment that resonates as Alcaraz navigates the highs and lows of stardom. As he prepares for the clay season, where he’s a two-time Madrid Open champion, Alcaraz carries not only the weight of expectations but also the backing of legends like Becker, who see in him a player destined for greatness—if given the time to grow.