Carlos Alcaraz, the tennis sensation who first captured the world’s attention in 2020, is back on the practice courts, preparing for his next ATP event. Having previously stated, “In this world, there are no secrets, but everything is achieved day by day through perseverance and effort,” the Spaniard is living up to his words. Following a disappointing performance at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, where he shockingly fell to Czech player Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals, Alcaraz has returned to his roots, training relentlessly to recover his form.
Despite the unexpected setback in Qatar, Alcaraz’s 2025 season remains impressive. With an 11-2 season record, and a triumphant start to the year, bagging the ATP 500 title in Rotterdam, Alcaraz has proven his worth amongst the top players of the sport. The four-time Grand Slam champion is now preparing to conquer the American swing, beginning with Indian Wells.
Before embarking on the American tour, the 21-year-old tennis pro was spotted honing his skills in his hometown of Murcia. A fan-captured video revealed Alcaraz in an intense training session with his trusted coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and new mentor, Samuel Lopez. The primary focus of the session was to refine Alcaraz’s serve, a shot that has been both a strength and a vulnerability for him this season.
The unpredictability of Alcaraz’s serve became apparent at the Australian Open. Though he managed to win 81% of points on his first serve and was broken only thrice in four matches, there were noticeable flaws. His first serve percentage lingered at a meager 62%, and he accumulated 15 double faults during the tournament. These inconsistencies hindered him in key moments, providing motivation for improvement before his next event.
Despite his meteoric rise, Alcaraz remains modest about his future in tennis. Having achieved more at 21 than most players do in their lifetime, including four Grand Slam titles and a stint as world No. 1, the prospect of longevity in the sport is a question that looms large. His rival, Novak Djokovic, still reigns supreme at 37, holding a 5-3 lead over Alcaraz. Can the young Spaniard emulate such endurance?
Alcaraz, however, isn’t looking too far ahead. At the Qatar Open, he shared, “I hope I can last like them, still playing well at 37 or 38. For now, I’m focused on the next 5 years, gradually taking care of my body and game to endure like them.”
The Spaniard’s upcoming challenges include the consecutive Masters 1000 events at Indian Wells and Miami. Having won the last two editions of Indian Wells, another triumph would place him in the esteemed company of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Moreover, a win in Miami could see him achieving his first-ever Sunshine Double. As he prepares for these milestones, the world watches to see if this rising star can add another feather to his already decorated cap.