In the sun-drenched courts of Rome, where Carlos Alcaraz has been carving his path to the 2025 Italian Open final, the young Spaniard’s meteoric rise continues to captivate the tennis world. At just 22, the world No. 2 has already claimed four Grand Slam titles, including the 2022 US Open, 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon Championships, and the 2024 French Open. His recent 6-3, 7-6(4) semifinal victory over Lorenzo Musetti at the Foro Italico has positioned him as a favorite to complete a clay-court Masters 1000 trifecta, having already won Monte Carlo and Madrid earlier this season. Yet, amid his dazzling achievements, former British No. 1 Laura Robson has sounded a note of caution, labeling the Grand Slam targets set by Alcaraz’s team as “absurd” and potentially overwhelming for the young star.
Robson’s critique stems from insights revealed in Alcaraz’s Netflix documentary, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, which offers an intimate look at the pressures he faces. The series highlights the lofty ambitions of his team, including coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and manager Albert Molina, who openly discuss their goal for Alcaraz to chase the staggering Grand Slam hauls of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, who collectively amassed 66 major titles. “They are talking about wanting to get to three or four Grand Slams a year and if we do it for this many years, we will hit Novak’s numbers,” Robson remarked, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis. She called such expectations unrealistic, noting, “To be even thinking about that is kind of absurd. We’ve had the best three players of all-time back-to-back-to-back in Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, and for anyone to try and hit those heights would be unheard of.” Robson emphasized that even finishing a career with four or five Slams is “already amazing,” underscoring the extraordinary burden placed on Alcaraz’s shoulders.
The documentary also reveals internal concerns about Alcaraz’s discipline. Ferrero, a former world No. 1, expressed doubts about Alcaraz’s approach, stating, “I’m starting to doubt whether Carlos can become the greatest player in history because of his approach to work and sacrifice. It’s so different from the Big 3.” This sentiment was echoed by former British No. 1 Tim Henman, who pinpointed Alcaraz’s shot selection as a critical flaw. “I love watching him play, he’s absolutely brilliant, but there are times when he lacks the discipline around shot selection,” Henman told Sky Sports Tennis. He argued that for Alcaraz to reach double-digit Grand Slams, he must refine his concentration and tactical clarity, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a mix of triumphs and challenges. After a quarterfinal loss to Djokovic at the Australian Open, he rebounded with a title at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, his first indoor hardcourt crown. However, setbacks followed, including a shocking semifinal defeat to Jack Draper at Indian Wells (6-1, 0-6, 6-4) and a first-round exit to David Goffin in Miami. These inconsistencies prompted Mats Wilander, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, to compare Alcaraz to Andre Agassi, noting, “Sometimes, he will pull off miracles that help him win matches, and other times, he will do the same and still lose.” Despite these fluctuations, Alcaraz’s clay-court dominance—evidenced by a 26-2 record since May 2024 and nine career clay titles—makes him a formidable contender for the French Open, where he is seeded No. 2.
Off the court, Alcaraz’s charisma and relatability shine through. His documentary captures moments of levity, including his admission of partying in Ibiza before his 2023 Wimbledon triumph, a choice that drew a cautionary lecture from compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut. “I’m not saying I won because of the partying, but those days were good for me,” Alcaraz quipped, revealing a balance between discipline and youthful exuberance. His reverence for Nadal, whom he refused to let an interviewer call a “loser” after defeating him at the Six Kings Slam, further endears him to fans. “This is Nadal’s moment. It is emotional for us all,” he said, showcasing his humility.
As Alcaraz prepares for a potential Rome final against Jannik Sinner or Tommy Paul, the weight of expectations looms large. Robson’s warning serves as a reminder that Alcaraz, despite his prodigious talent, is still a young player navigating an unforgiving sport. With a career already marked by historic milestones—like becoming the youngest man to win majors on all three surfaces—his journey is one of immense promise. Yet, as he chases greatness, the tennis world must temper its demands, allowing Alcaraz to forge his own path, one spectacular shot at a time.
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