At just 22, Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and Spanish tennis phenom, continues to assert his dominance over the ATP’s rising stars, maintaining an impeccable record against players younger than himself. His latest triumph came at the Cincinnati Open on August 13, 2025, where he dispatched 22-year-old Hamad Medjedovic in a commanding 6-4, 6-4 victory in the third round. This win marks Alcaraz’s 10th consecutive victory against younger opponents at the ATP level, with a staggering 23-2 set record, underscoring his ability to outclass the next generation even as they challenge his throne.
The Cincinnati match against Medjedovic, a Serbian talent born just two months after Alcaraz in July 2003, was a testament to the Spaniard’s adaptability under pressure. Played in challenging, windy conditions, Alcaraz broke Medjedovic three times while conceding only one break in the second set. “Playing in such a high heat is really difficult to deal with and it is even tougher when you’re playing long rallies,” Alcaraz noted, reflecting on the physical toll of the match. Yet, he managed the conditions with poise, sealing the victory in under 90 minutes without expending excessive energy. His efficiency was crucial, as he now prepares to face another younger rival, 21-year-old Luca Nardi, in the Round of 16—a rare back-to-back clash against players of his generation.
Alcaraz’s perfect record against younger opponents includes names like Juncheng Shang, Mark Lajal, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Arthur Fils, Ethan Quinn, Oliver Tarvet, and Medjedovic, with Shang and Fils each facing him twice. Only Nardi and Fils have managed to take a set off him this season, a testament to Alcaraz’s relentless consistency. “I tried my best but I can be better. I need to improve in the next round,” Alcaraz said, displaying the humility that has endeared him to fans despite his five Grand Slam titles, including two French Opens, two Wimbledons, and one US Open. His ability to adapt to any surface—evidenced by his historic feat as the youngest man to win majors on clay, grass, and hard courts at 21—sets him apart from his peers.
The match against Medjedovic was not without its challenges. The Serbian, known for his powerful groundstrokes, pushed Alcaraz in the second set, but the Spaniard’s superior movement and tactical variety prevailed. His signature forehand drop shot, honed under coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, left Medjedovic scrambling, while his improved serve—once a point of concern in his junior days—held firm in critical moments. “I’ve been practising really well and playing really well, but these conditions make it different,” Alcaraz admitted, highlighting his ability to adjust to the Cincinnati heat and wind. His performance was a stark contrast to last year’s Cincinnati Open, where he infamously smashed his racket in frustration, later issuing a public apology for the rare outburst.
Alcaraz’s dominance over younger players is particularly striking given the rising tide of talent in men’s tennis. The likes of Nardi, Fils, and Shang are heralded as the future, yet Alcaraz remains a step ahead, blending creativity, athleticism, and mental fortitude. His recent battles, including a five-hour, 29-minute French Open final victory over Jannik Sinner in June 2025, have showcased his ability to thrive in high-stakes moments. “Carlos is a very tough opponent and a very nice person, so it is always a huge pleasure for me to play against him,” Sinner said after their Wimbledon clash, where Alcaraz fell 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Despite that loss, Alcaraz’s 8-4 head-to-head lead over Sinner, the world No. 1, underscores his competitive edge.
As Alcaraz advances in Cincinnati, his focus remains on refining his game ahead of the US Open, where he aims to reclaim the title he won in 2022. His next opponent, Nardi, a friend from their junior days, presents a personal and professional challenge. “I always try to watch him when I can,” Alcaraz said of his younger brother Jaime, but the same focus applies to studying rivals like Nardi, whose aggressive style could test him. With a 43-21 record against top-10 players and a 24-match win streak in 2025, Alcaraz is poised to continue his reign. As he told reporters, “I can’t thank you enough. You were really important, you are in my heart, and you will always be,” reflecting the crowd’s role in fueling his relentless drive. For now, the younger generation may keep targeting him, but Alcaraz remains an immovable force.
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