As the tennis world buzzes with excitement over Carlos Alcaraz’s newly released Netflix documentary, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, one player remains distinctly uninterested: Daniil Medvedev. The 29-year-old Russian, known for his cerebral approach and dry wit, recently shared his thoughts on the three-episode series chronicling Alcaraz’s historic 2024 season, revealing a perspective that’s as refreshing as it is unfiltered. While fans and players alike have lauded the documentary’s intimate look at the 21-year-old Spaniard’s life, Medvedev’s reluctance to tune in offers a glimpse into his unique mindset and his complex dynamic with the sport’s brightest young star.
The documentary, which premiered globally on April 23, 2025, follows Alcaraz through a rollercoaster year that saw him clinch the French Open, Wimbledon, and an Olympic silver medal, solidifying his status as the youngest world No. 1 in tennis history. Directed by Jorge Laplace and produced by Morena Films, the series delves into Alcaraz’s on-court triumphs—such as his Indian Wells Masters victory over Medvedev himself—and off-court struggles, including an adductor injury that forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Open. “I think you are going to see a more personal side of me,” Alcaraz said at the series’ Madrid premiere, promising viewers a peek into his life in Murcia, his family dynamics, and even his penchant for partying in Ibiza. The series captures raw moments, like Alcaraz’s emotional reflection after losing to Novak Djokovic in the Olympic final: “Is it in my head to do everything possible to be the best in history? Right now, I don’t know.”
For Medvedev, however, the allure of such a personal narrative holds little appeal. Speaking ahead of his Madrid Open campaign, where he faces Alexander Zverev in a blockbuster quarter-final, the former US Open champion was characteristically blunt. “I don’t really watch this stuff,” he said, shrugging off the hype surrounding Alcaraz’s documentary. “Some people love to see behind the scenes, but for me, it’s like, I see Carlos on the court, I play him, I know him as a competitor. That’s enough.” Medvedev’s comments reflect his no-nonsense approach to tennis, where he prioritizes performance over the sport’s growing obsession with off-court storytelling. His rivalry with Alcaraz, marked by intense battles like their 2024 Indian Wells final, where Alcaraz triumphed 7-6(5), 6-1, is strictly professional. “He’s a great player, no doubt,” Medvedev added, “but I’m not here to watch his life story—I’m here to beat him.”
Medvedev’s stance isn’t just about disinterest; it’s a reflection of his broader philosophy. Known for his marathon matches and strategic brilliance, the world No. 5 has always been an outlier, embracing his role as the “villain” against crowd favorites like Alcaraz. His 2025 season, highlighted by a Monte-Carlo Masters title and a strong clay-court run, shows he’s still a force, yet he shuns the spotlight that Alcaraz embraces. “I’m not the guy who’s going to make a Netflix show,” Medvedev quipped, hinting at his discomfort with the self-promotion that modern athletes often navigate. This sentiment echoes his past critiques of tennis media, like his lukewarm response to Netflix’s Break Point, where he felt the format demanded too much staging.
The documentary’s appeal lies in its balance of Alcaraz’s professional highs and personal lows, from his mentorship under Juan Carlos Ferrero to his candid admission of burnout: “In 2023, I was already mentally exhausted.” It also features tennis legends like Roger Federer, who advised Alcaraz to “find enjoyment in every tournament,” and Andre Agassi, who urged him to learn from Rafael Nadal’s retirement. For fans, it’s a window into Alcaraz’s charisma and vulnerability, amplified by moments like his Ibiza escapade, which he cheekily credited for his 2023 Wimbledon win: “I’m not saying I won because of the party, but those days went well for me.” Yet, for Medvedev, such insights are irrelevant to the task at hand—competing at the highest level.
As Alcaraz’s star continues to rise, Medvedev’s detachment highlights a contrast in their approaches to fame. While Alcaraz leverages his 6.3 million Instagram followers and Netflix’s global reach to build his brand, Medvedev remains focused on the court, where their rivalry is set to intensify. With the French Open looming, where Alcaraz aims to defend his title and Medvedev seeks his first clay Slam, their next clash could overshadow any documentary drama. For now, Medvedev’s verdict is clear: he’ll face Alcaraz racquet-to-racquet, not through a Netflix screen.