Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation and world No. 2, is charging toward a third Barcelona Open title with a blend of intensity and newfound perspective. On April 17, 2025, the two-time defending champion stormed into the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 event with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Serbia’s Laslo Djere, extending his unbeaten streak on Barcelona’s clay to 12 matches. Yet, it was his revelation about a deliberate mental reset during a day off that captured attention, offering a glimpse into the mindset propelling his 2025 clay court campaign. “I forgot about tennis,” Alcaraz admitted, describing how stepping away from the sport entirely rejuvenated him for the battles ahead.
Fresh off a triumphant Monte-Carlo Masters title the previous week, where he defeated Lorenzo Musetti in a comeback final, Alcaraz arrived at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899 riding a wave of confidence. His Barcelona campaign began with a hard-fought 6-2, 7-6(6) win over American Ethan Quinn on April 15, a match that tested his resilience in a second-set tiebreak. Against Djere, Alcaraz showcased his trademark flair, unleashing blistering forehands and tracking down drop shots with explosive sprints. Despite trailing 4-2 in the second set, he rallied with four consecutive games, capitalizing on Djere’s double fault to seal the 71-minute victory. “I think as much as I can win in straight sets, it’s much better to save energy for the matches that I have coming forward,” he said, emphasizing his focus on efficiency.
Alcaraz’s day off before the Djere match proved pivotal. Rather than hitting the practice courts, he chose to disconnect completely. “I didn’t come to the club at all, and that helped me a lot,” he shared, highlighting how the break allowed him to recharge mentally and physically. This strategic pause, a departure from his usual routine, underscores his evolving maturity as he navigates the pressures of a packed schedule. “It’s a privilege for me to return to Barcelona, which I feel was and is my home,” Alcaraz had said upon arriving, a sentiment echoed by the passionate Spanish fans who pack the stands to cheer their hometown hero.
The Barcelona Open, a tournament steeped in history, holds special significance for Alcaraz. He first competed here in 2021 as a 17-year-old wildcard ranked No. 119, losing to Frances Tiafoe in the opening round. Since then, he has been unstoppable, claiming titles in 2022 and 2023 without dropping a set. An arm injury sidelined him in 2024, but his 2025 return has been nothing short of dominant, with a 27-1 record on Spanish clay since 2022. “I’m not expressing my best tennis,” Alcaraz confessed after Monte-Carlo, yet his ability to win while still refining his game speaks to his extraordinary talent.
Alcaraz’s next challenge is a quarterfinal clash against fifth seed Alex de Minaur, who dispatched lucky loser Jacob Fearnley 6-1, 6-2. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 3-0, including a victory in the Rotterdam final earlier this year, but he remains cautious. “Nowadays there’s a long list of players who can make a splash at every tournament,” he noted, acknowledging contenders like defending champion Casper Ruud, four-time finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Andrey Rublev. His respect for the field reflects his grounded approach, even as he carries the weight of expectations as Spain’s brightest star in the post-Rafael Nadal era.
Guided by coaches Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel Lopez, Alcaraz is blending experience with innovation. Lopez, who joined the team in December 2024, has emphasized preserving Alcaraz’s dynamic style while refining his consistency. “We have put a lot of emphasis on him being himself,” Lopez said after Rotterdam, a philosophy evident in Alcaraz’s electrifying play in Barcelona. His mental strength, honed through tough moments in Monte-Carlo, where he came back from a set down in three matches, has been crucial. “I gained a lot of confidence in Monte-Carlo,” Alcaraz admitted, crediting the title for fueling his clay court momentum.
Beyond the court, Alcaraz’s charisma and humility endear him to fans. His Carlos Alcaraz Garfia Foundation, launched in 2024, recently supported flood relief efforts in Valencia, showcasing his commitment to giving back. As he eyes a third Barcelona title, Alcaraz is also inspiring the next generation, praising young talents like Jakub Mensik and Joao Fonseca. “I think we’re in a very good moment, in the sense that there are a lot of young players capable of winning big titles,” he said, embracing his role as a leader in tennis’s new era.
With the French Open looming on May 26, Alcaraz’s Barcelona campaign is a critical stepping stone. His ability to “forget” tennis for a day and return sharper than ever reveals a player who balances intensity with introspection. As he prepares to face de Minaur under the Catalan sun, Alcaraz’s quest for a three-peat is not just about trophies but about mastering the art of staying fresh in a sport that demands everything.