Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis phenom and world No. 2, has thrown his support behind compatriot Sara Sorribes Tormo as she announced an indefinite break from the sport to prioritize her mental health. Speaking at the 2025 Barcelona Open, where Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory oveAlex de Minaur on April 18, he emphasized the importance of listening to one’s inner needs. “You have to listen to what your mind needs,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on Sorribes Tormo’s decision to step away after a challenging 2025 season. His empathetic words, paired with his scintillating performance on the clay courts of his homeland, highlight a player balancing personal growth with professional dominance.
Sorribes Tormo, a 28-year-old ranked No. 51, shared her decision to pause her career via social media on April 15, citing mental and emotional exhaustion. “After some time feeling that something wasn’t quite right, I’ve decided to take a break from tennis for a while to take care of myself,” she wrote, explaining that her demanding schedule had left her “mentally and emotionally drained.” Despite a solid start to 2025, with a quarterfinal run in Abu Dhabi and a doubles title alongside Marie Bouzkova, Sorribes Tormo struggled with early exits in Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid, where she retired against Victoria Azarenka. Her announcement came just before the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, prompting her withdrawal and replacement by Nuria Parrizas Diaz.
Alcaraz, who has faced his own pressures as Spain’s brightest tennis star, expressed deep understanding of Sorribes Tormo’s choice. “Sometimes you’re playing well, but you don’t feel good,” he noted, drawing from his experience managing the expectations of a global fanbase. “It’s not easy to take that kind of decision, so I think it’s really brave from her.” His support reflects a growing awareness in tennis of mental health challenges, a topic Sorribes Tormo addressed candidly. “I need to stop and listen to myself,” she wrote, committing to return “when I’m ready to enjoy this beautiful sport again.”
On the court, Alcaraz is thriving at the Barcelona Open, a tournament he holds dear as a two-time defending champion. His victory over de Minaur, the fifth seed, marked his 13th consecutive win at the event, a streak that began in 2022. The 68-minute match showcased Alcaraz’s electrifying clay-court prowess, with 17 winners and a dominant 83% first-serve point win rate. “I think as much as I can win in straight sets, it’s much better to save energy,” he said, mindful of the grueling clay season ahead, including Madrid, Rome, and the French Open starting May 26. His ability to dictate rallies and chase down de Minaur’s slices reaffirmed his status as a favorite to claim a third straight Barcelona title.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a masterclass in resilience. Fresh off a Monte-Carlo Masters title, where he battled back from a set down in three matches, he arrived in Barcelona with a 27-1 record on Spanish clay since 2022. “I gained a lot of confidence in Monte-Carlo,” he said, crediting the victory for sharpening his focus. His day off before facing Laslo Djere earlier in the week—when he “forgot about tennis” and avoided the club—proved a mental reset that fueled his quarterfinal and semifinal runs. “It’s a privilege for me to return to Barcelona, which I feel was and is my home,” he told the crowd, soaking in the support of fans at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899.
Guided by coaches Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel Lopez, Alcaraz is refining his game while staying true to his dynamic style. Lopez, who joined in December 2024, emphasized, “We have put a lot of emphasis on him being himself,” a philosophy evident in Alcaraz’s fearless shot-making. His semifinal opponent will be either Casper Ruud or Stefanos Tsitsipas, both formidable clay-court threats, but Alcaraz’s 3-0 head-to-head edge over de Minaur and past wins over Ruud and Tsitsipas bolster his confidence. “Nowadays there’s a long list of players who can make a splash,” he acknowledged, respecting the field’s depth.
Off the court, Alcaraz’s empathy for Sorribes Tormo underscores his role as a leader in tennis’s new generation. His Carlos Alcaraz Garfia Foundation, which recently aided flood relief in Valencia, reflects his commitment to impact beyond the baseline. As he chases a ninth title of 2025 and a third Barcelona crown, Alcaraz’s blend of on-court brilliance and off-court compassion is redefining what it means to be a champion. For Sorribes Tormo, his words offer solace as she navigates her journey back to the sport, knowing that even the brightest stars understand the courage it takes to pause.