Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis prodigy, faced an unfamiliar moment of vulnerability at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, losing his first-ever Grand Slam final to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a gripping four-set battle (4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4). The defeat ended Alcaraz’s bid for a third consecutive Wimbledon title and marked a turning point in his rivalry with Sinner, who snapped a five-match losing streak against him. As Alcaraz navigates the aftermath, former world No. 2 and two-time French Open finalist Alex Corretja has issued an impassioned plea to Alcaraz’s team, urging them to safeguard his love for the game to prevent a critical mistake that could derail his burgeoning career. With Alcaraz poised to compete at the 2025 US Open, Corretja’s advice resonates as a call to preserve the joy that fuels the Spaniard’s brilliance.
Alcaraz entered Wimbledon as the two-time defending champion, riding a 24-match win streak and boasting a 35-3 record on grass, the best in the Open Era. His five Grand Slam titles—two Wimbledons, two French Opens, and a US Open—had established him as a dominant force, with many, including former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, labeling him the “red-hot favourite” to claim a sixth major. Yet, Sinner’s relentless baseline play and improved serving disrupted Alcaraz’s rhythm, forcing him into a defensive role. “It was really difficult when you are feeling that you’re just defending all the time and running from side to side all the time,” Alcaraz admitted post-match, reflecting on the challenge of countering Sinner’s aggression. Despite the loss, Alcaraz remained upbeat, emphasizing his pride in reaching another final. “I’m just happy,” he said. “I’m smiling because in my head it was about playing the final and being grateful for that.”
Corretja, a respected voice in tennis, expressed concern that Alcaraz’s relentless schedule and the pressure of his meteoric rise could sap the joy that defines his game. “Please don’t let him go,” Corretja pleaded, addressing Alcaraz’s team, particularly his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. He warned that overexertion could lead Alcaraz to lose his passion, a mistake that has dimmed the careers of other prodigies. “Carlos lives for tennis, but he needs balance to keep that fire burning,” Corretja said, drawing on his experience as a former top player and commentator. He pointed to Alcaraz’s 2024 season, which included a grueling French Open final against Sinner and an Olympic silver medal match against Novak Djokovic, as evidence of the physical and mental toll. Alcaraz’s rare display of frustration—smashing his racket during a loss to Gaël Monfils at the 2024 Cincinnati Open—further underscored the need for careful management.
Corretja’s plea echoes sentiments from Alcaraz’s admirers, who have long praised his humility and infectious enthusiasm. His former coach Kiko Navarro noted, “He was always a nice boy. He was magic. He was always smiling,” recalling Alcaraz’s early days in Murcia. Fans at Wimbledon witnessed this charm, from his signing a tennis ball for a 13-year-old spectator to rushing to aid a 79-year-old fan who fainted during his match against Fabio Fognini. “I’m his number one fan and I hope he lifts the trophy,” said the fan, Delyth Lewis, after Alcaraz’s compassionate act. Such moments highlight why Corretja is adamant that Alcaraz’s team must prioritize his mental well-being.
The Spaniard’s rivalry with Sinner, likened to Federer-Nadal by John McEnroe, promises more epic clashes, with the duo splitting the last seven Grand Slams. “The things we are doing right now is great for tennis,” Alcaraz said, acknowledging the excitement their battles generate. Sinner, too, praised their dynamic, saying, “I keep looking up to Carlos because even today I felt like he was doing a couple of things better than I did.” As Alcaraz prepares for the US Open, where he’ll pair with Emma Raducanu in mixed doubles, Corretja’s advice serves as a reminder to balance ambition with joy. By nurturing his passion, Alcaraz’s team can ensure he continues to dazzle, chasing the legends while carving his own path.
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