Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, is back on the practice courts of his hometown, Murcia, Spain, as he prepares for a pivotal return at the Cincinnati Masters 1000, set to begin on August 5, 2025. After a well-deserved break following a heart-wrenching loss to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon final, the world No. 2 is channeling his energy into a hard-court campaign that could see him reclaim the ATP’s top ranking. Training at the La Manga Club in Cartagena, Murcia, alongside his longtime hitting partner Rafa Segado, Alcaraz is leaving no stone unturned as he eyes glory in Cincinnati and the upcoming US Open. His relentless drive and infectious passion have reignited excitement among fans, who are eager to see “Carlitos” challenge for the No. 1 spot.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, with five titles already under his belt, including a thrilling defense of his French Open crown against Sinner in a five-hour, 29-minute epic that saw him save three match points. “I just want to keep the good moments and try to forget the bad moments,” Alcaraz reflected after his Wimbledon defeat, a four-set battle that marked his first loss in a Grand Slam final. His decision to skip the Canadian Open in Toronto, citing “physical and mental exhaustion” after a grueling clay and grass season, allowed him to recharge with family and friends in Murcia and Cádiz. Now, back at the Real Sociedad Club de Campo Murcia, under the guidance of coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former world No. 1, Alcaraz is honing his explosive game to tackle the North American hard-court swing.
The Cincinnati Masters represents a golden opportunity for Alcaraz, who has minimal points to defend after a second-round exit to Gaël Monfils in 2024. With Sinner, the current No. 1, facing the pressure of defending 3,200 points from last year’s Cincinnati and US Open triumphs, Alcaraz could close the 3,430-point gap in the ATP rankings. Posts on social media captured his return to training, with one fan noting, “Dejad que los niños se acerquen a mí,” alongside a video of Alcaraz’s intense sessions with Segado, a college player for the Florida Gators and a friend from their days at the JC Ferrero Academy. Alcaraz’s work ethic, evident in his sweat-soaked practices, reflects his hunger to surpass Sinner, whom he bested at Roland Garros, Monte Carlo, and Rome this year.
Alcaraz’s journey is deeply rooted in Murcia, where he first picked up a racket at age four under his father’s guidance at the local tennis club. “I loved tennis since the beginning,” he told reporters in 2022, recalling how his father’s passion for the sport sparked his own. His family—parents Carlos Sr. and Virginia, and brothers Álvaro, Sergio, and Jaime—remains his anchor, with Álvaro often serving as his hitting partner and emotional support. At the 2023 Cincinnati final, where Alcaraz fell to Novak Djokovic in a three-hour, 49-minute thriller, he tearfully thanked Álvaro during the trophy ceremony, saying, “It’s great to have you here, supporting me every day, to make me be a better person every day, learning from you as well.” This family bond, coupled with Ferrero’s mentorship, fuels Alcaraz’s pursuit of excellence.
The Spaniard’s 2025 campaign has showcased his versatility, with titles on clay (French Open, Rome) and hard courts (Indian Wells, China Open). His recent charity work through the Carlos Alcaraz Garfia Foundation, including flood relief efforts in Valencia, highlights his commitment to giving back. As he prepares for Cincinnati, where he’ll face a challenging draw potentially including Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, or Daniil Medvedev, Alcaraz is balancing instinct with strategy. “Many times I feel more restrained than I should because of Ferrero,” he admitted, acknowledging his coach’s push for tactical discipline alongside his flair for “amazing shots.”
With the US Open looming, where Alcaraz aims for a second title after his 2022 triumph, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation. His rivalry with Sinner, described by ESPN as “the best individual rivalry in sports right now,” promises more epic battles. Alcaraz’s training in Murcia, captured in viral clips of his relentless forehands and agile footwork, signals his readiness to seize this moment. As he told Eurosport, his goal is clear: “I will do everything possible to win the gold medal in Los Angeles 2028,” but for now, Cincinnati and New York are the stages where this prodigy aims to reclaim his throne.
Dejad que los niños se acerquen a mí. pic.twitter.com/wtDyCZBCft
— Germán R. Abril (@gerebit0) July 28, 2025
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