In the wake of a crushing defeat at the Miami Open in March 2025, Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old tennis sensation, faced a storm of criticism that left him grappling with self-doubt. “I had so much hate when I lost in Miami,” Alcaraz confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability, as he reflected on the second-round upset to David Goffin, a loss that marked his first defeat to a player outside the Top 30 that season. The world No. 2, known for his infectious joy and fearless play, admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the backlash. “A lot of people started to say, ‘What’s going on with this guy? He just lost in the first round, and he didn’t practice, didn’t go to the court,’” he recalled. Yet, it was a family vacation to Cancún that became the turning point, helping him rediscover his passion for tennis and fueling a remarkable resurgence, culminating in his second Queen’s Club Championships title on June 22, 2025.
The Miami loss was a low point for Alcaraz, who had entered the tournament as a former champion, having won his first ATP 1000 title there in 2022 at age 18. Against Goffin, his physical level faltered, with tired legs betraying him by the second set’s end. “It was a poor level from me,” he admitted, taking full responsibility. “I didn’t play well, physically I didn’t feel well.” Rather than diving back into training, as critics expected, Alcaraz chose to step away. “Instead of practice after that, I took a break and went to Cancún with my family,” he said, a decision that drew fierce online scrutiny. For six days, he didn’t touch a racket, instead soaking up time with his parents and brothers, clearing his mind and reflecting on his priorities. “That was the key, just to have five, six days off, to turn off my mind, to think what I should have done better,” he explained.
This unconventional choice proved transformative. “After the vacation, I just got the joy back,” Alcaraz said, his smile returning as he spoke of rediscovering his love for the game. The break allowed him to reconnect with what matters most—family and the sheer thrill of competition. Returning to the court, he unleashed a blistering run, winning 27 of his next 28 matches, including titles at Monte-Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, and Queen’s Club. His Queen’s victory over Jiri Lehecka, a 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2 battle, showcased his rediscovered spark, with 33 winners and a deft lob that electrified the London crowd. “I started to enjoy playing tennis again, stepping on the court, competing again,” he said, crediting his family’s support for grounding him.
Alcaraz’s journey reflects a maturity beyond his years. Raised on Spain’s clay courts, he’s now a grass-court maestro, with a 29-3 record and a 91% win rate, surpassing legends like Roger Federer. His Queen’s triumph, the first Roland Garros-Queen’s double since Rafael Nadal in 2008, cemented his Wimbledon favoritism. “I came here with no expectations, just to feel great on grass,” he said, marveling at his swift adaptation. As he prepares for Wimbledon, where he’s a two-time defending champion, Alcaraz plans to stay in London, savoring downtime before his title defense begins June 30. “I need days off to enjoy, to spend with my friends, with my family,” he noted, a philosophy that keeps him grounded.
For Alcaraz, family remains his anchor. “When I finish a tournament, it doesn’t matter if I win or not, I just want to get home to be with my family,” he once told The Sunday Times, a sentiment echoed in his Cancún escape. His story is a reminder that even champions face doubt, but with love and perspective, they can find their way back to joy.
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