Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has never shied away from his lofty ambition: to be the greatest player in history, sitting alongside icons like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. With four Grand Slam titles already under his belt, including the 2024 French Open and Wimbledon, Alcaraz’s trajectory seems boundless. Yet, a cautionary voice from a tennis legend’s camp has sparked debate about whether his approach to the sport aligns with such monumental goals. Carlos Moya, Nadal’s former coach and a former World No. 1 himself, has warned that Alcaraz’s philosophy of prioritizing life’s joys over relentless discipline could hinder his quest for tennis supremacy.
“Querer ser el mejor de la historia de esa manera, lo veo difícil,” Moya remarked, reflecting on Alcaraz’s candid admissions in his Netflix documentary, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way. The series, released in April 2025, reveals Alcaraz’s desire to balance professional rigor with personal happiness, a stark contrast to the single-minded focus of the Big Three. Moya, who guided Nadal to multiple Grand Slam triumphs, emphasized that neither Federer, Nadal, nor Djokovic achieved their legendary status with such a laid-back outlook. “Ni Federer, ni Nadal ni Djokovic han sido así,” he said, suggesting that Alcaraz’s love for late nights and social outings—evidenced by a controversial Ibiza trip before a 2024 Queen’s Club loss—might undermine his pursuit of historic greatness.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, amplifying these concerns. He started strong, winning titles in Rotterdam and Monte Carlo, and reached the Barcelona Open final, where he fell to Holger Rune after sustaining a psoas injury. A subsequent withdrawal from the Madrid Open due to lingering physical issues raised questions about his durability, a point Nadal himself addressed. “He’ll win a lot more if he stays healthy—that’s the most important thing,” Nadal said, expressing confidence in Alcaraz’s potential for “one of the best careers of all time” while warning of the physical toll elite tennis demands. Alcaraz’s 26-10 record since Wimbledon 2024, with early exits at Cincinnati, the US Open, and Paris Masters, has fueled criticism of his consistency, despite his Shanghai Masters 1000 triumph.
Moya’s critique isn’t about talent—Alcaraz’s explosive forehands, deft drop shots, and relentless court coverage draw comparisons to Nadal’s tenacity and Federer’s artistry. Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz’s coach since 2018, once likened his protege’s mental strength to Nadal’s, noting, “Mentally, obviously, Rafa.” Yet, Ferrero has also expressed frustration with Alcaraz’s occasional lack of focus, as seen in the documentary. “We are here to create the greatest player because of his abilities and opportunities,” Ferrero said, warning that if Alcaraz is content with a No. 15 ranking, their partnership could falter. Alcaraz himself remains introspective, admitting, “Well, right now, I don’t know,” when asked if he has the mindset to become the greatest, adding, “I definitely prefer to put happiness before any kind of accomplishment.”
This philosophy, while endearing, clashes with the grueling sacrifices of tennis’s titans. Nadal, who retired in November 2024 after a 22-Grand Slam career, endured chronic injuries but maintained an unrelenting work ethic, a trait Alcaraz admires. “I bow at the feet of Rafa because of what he did week after week,” Alcaraz said after Barcelona, marveling at Nadal’s ability to dominate clay-court swings. Moya’s warning echoes this, suggesting that Alcaraz’s penchant for enjoying youth—late nights, social media banter, and off-court adventures—could cap his potential. Social media posts have amplified the debate, with fans divided: some praise Alcaraz’s authenticity, while others argue he must emulate Nadal’s discipline to surpass Jannik Sinner, who has outpaced him with three Grand Slam wins since 2024.
As Alcaraz prepares for the Italian Open, where a semifinal run could reclaim the World No. 2 ranking from Alexander Zverev, the pressure mounts. His rivalry with Sinner, whom he calls a “nice” but distinct challenge compared to Nadal-Federer’s “unique” dynamic, promises more epic battles. Yet, Moya’s words linger: can Alcaraz chase tennis immortality while savoring life’s pleasures? “I’m not obsessed with being the best in the world,” Alcaraz told GQ España, embracing joy over rankings. Whether this mindset propels him to the Big Three’s table or leaves him just shy of their pedestal remains the captivating question for tennis’s brightest star.
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