Fresh off the hallowed grass of Wimbledon, where he narrowly missed out on a second consecutive title against his burgeoning rival Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz exudes a renewed sense of purpose. The Spanish phenom, back in Madrid, shared his thoughts on the recent loss, his clear objective to return to the ATP`s summit, and the unique camaraderie he shares with the Italian maestro.
The Race for World No. 1: A Calculated Challenge
While Alcaraz playfully describes himself as a “creative” rather than a “calculator,” his aim for the rest of the season is unequivocally clear: to reclaim the World No. 1 ranking from Jannik Sinner. The disappointment of the Wimbledon final, it appears, has been thoroughly processed, replaced by a confident smile at a recent sponsor event in his native Madrid.
Strategically, the path ahead looks favorable for Alcaraz. With significantly fewer points to defend in the latter half of the year (a mere 1060 compared to Sinner`s substantial 6030), the opportunity to close the gap is palpable. “Last year, after the Olympics, I struggled and didn`t achieve great results,” Alcaraz stated. “So, from now until the end of the season, I won`t have many points to defend. I will give my best in the upcoming tournaments to gain as many points as possible.”
He acknowledges Sinner`s formidable mental fortitude: “I know Sinner doesn`t care if he has many points to defend; he`s a great fighter who always plays to win and isn`t influenced by that.” Yet, Alcaraz`s resolve remains unshaken. His focus now shifts to the North American hard-court swing, beginning in Cincinnati, following his decision to skip the Masters 1000 in Toronto, all in preparation for the US Open.
The Rivalry: A Net Gain for Tennis
The burgeoning rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner has quickly become the most compelling narrative in men`s tennis, a captivating dualism reminiscent of the “Big Three” era. Alcaraz is acutely aware of its significance.
“It`s a great thing for our sport, because it encourages people to watch tennis and to play it,” Alcaraz remarked. “Our matches, like the recent ones at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, are always highly anticipated. The more matches we play against each other, the more people we will involve in this sport. Also, because every time we face each other, we both push ourselves beyond our limits.”
This isn`t merely about personal glory; it`s about the very future of men`s tennis. Their contrasting styles—Alcaraz`s explosive all-court athleticism versus Sinner`s surgical precision—create electrifying contests that elevate the sport for fans worldwide.
Beyond the Baseline: Friendship Amidst Fierce Competition
Away from the net, where the stakes are often astronomical, a different dynamic unfolds. Despite their intense on-court battles, Alcaraz insists on a genuine friendship with Sinner. “Tennis is a unique sport that allows you to be great rivals on court and, at the same time, to respect each other,” he explained.
“Jannik and I are good friends; we can talk about many things outside the court. I have great respect for him; he is a good person. I am sure that we will always be able to maintain this relationship.” It`s a refreshing counter-narrative to the cutthroat image often associated with elite sports, proving that fierce competition doesn`t necessarily preclude mutual admiration and companionship.
A Season of Highs and Lessons
Reflecting on his 2025 season thus far, Alcaraz offers a balanced assessment. After a period of subdued performance during Sinner`s three-month injury layoff, the Spaniard found a profound “rebirth” on clay, winning three tournaments and an impressive 22 out of 23 matches. While Sinner claimed revenge at Wimbledon for their Roland Garros encounter, Alcaraz remains content with his overall trajectory. “I must say that the season has gone really well. I have done great things, I have achieved many of the goals I set at the beginning of the year, so I am happy with everything I have done on court so far and I hope to continue like this for the rest of the year.”
His triumph at Roland Garros, where he remarkably saved three consecutive match points against Sinner in a thrilling fifth set, stands out as a pinnacle. “I often think about it, and I still don`t know how I managed to turn that match around,” he mused. “The truth is that in sport, but not only in sport, you have to keep believing, believing until the very end. Tennis is a long and demanding road, and you are completely alone with your thoughts. So, the key, in the Roland Garros final against Jannik, was that: to believe I could win the match, even in the most difficult moments, without letting myself be defeated.”
The Wimbledon final presented a different challenge. At one point, Alcaraz was overheard telling his corner that Sinner was simply better from the baseline—a stark, almost brutal honesty from a competitor. “That`s what I really thought at that moment. Jannik was extraordinary. I gave what I could, and in any case, I am happy with the journey I made.” Such candid admissions underscore his maturity and pragmatic view of performance.
The Mental Game: Joy, Discipline, and Growth
Alcaraz has spoken openly about reconnecting with the joy of tennis, viewing it as a dream rather than a job. This philosophical shift is central to his strategy for managing the immense pressure and expectations that come with being an elite athlete. “For me, it`s like that. It all depends on the mental approach. For me, it`s just about playing tennis, so I don`t think about anything else,” he explained. “Every time I have to face a match, I simply remember that this is my dream and it`s what I`ve always wanted to do since I was a child. It`s the simplest way to handle all the pressure. I just focus on the game, and that`s enough.” It sounds deceptively simple, perhaps even idealistic, but for Alcaraz, it`s the bedrock of his professional existence.
He also openly discusses the role of his mental coach, with whom he has worked for approximately five years. “Yes, I have one, for about five years now, and it helps me a lot. I really feel the difference compared to the past. Because sometimes I have negative thoughts, but she helps me manage them. She has given me advice on how to deal with match stress, and the situation has improved a lot. As I said, it`s all in the head. But it`s not just a mental issue: it also depends on the match, how you approach it, everything.”
In a world where every unforced error is dissected and every triumph put under a microscope, the cacophony of public opinion can be deafening. Alcaraz has learned to tune it out. After the Wimbledon final, Spanish media, by his own admission, were not “tender” with their criticisms. “I try not to think about it too much, because there was a period when I really let myself be influenced by criticism, and that was a very difficult time,” he admits. “So now I try not to give too much weight to certain words that are said. In recent years, I`ve also understood that every small step counts and that you can learn even from defeats. It`s not necessary to be phenomenal every day; the important thing is to be consistent and strive for improvement. Always.” Growth, it seems, is not always linear, nor is it always applauded.
The Ongoing Narrative
As the ATP Tour shifts its focus across the Atlantic, the tennis world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the Alcaraz-Sinner saga. With Alcaraz`s clear declaration of intent and Sinner`s unyielding reign at the top, their rivalry promises to continue pushing the boundaries of the sport, delighting fans, and perhaps, even strengthening a unique friendship that transcends the competitive white lines. The next Grand Slam in New York will undoubtedly offer another thrilling installment.
