Carlos Alcaraz’s 2025 campaign began with a bittersweet result at the Australian Open, as the young Spaniard fell short in the quarterfinals against Novak Djokovic. Despite a strong start, the former world No. 1 couldn’t maintain his momentum against the seasoned champion, extending his curious streak of never progressing beyond the final eight at Melbourne Park.
Australian Open Woes
Alcaraz, 21, entered the Australian Open as one of the favorites but struggled to find consistency in his matchup against Djokovic, who was nursing an adductor injury. The Spaniard took the first set, but lapses in concentration and a failure to adapt saw him fall in four sets.
“It’s surprising to see Alcaraz, with his immense talent, struggle to make a deeper run at the Australian Open,” analysts noted. “It’s clear this tournament remains an enigma for him, especially as his rival Jannik Sinner thrives here.”
Fresh Start with a New Coach
Determined to bounce back, Alcaraz has resumed practice in Spain under the guidance of his long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and newly added Samuel López. The addition of López reflects a strategy to refine Alcaraz’s game and bring fresh perspectives to his training.
February Schedule: Rotterdam and Doha
The Spaniard is set to make his debut at the Rotterdam ATP 500 (February 3-9), where he will be the top seed following Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal. Alcaraz aims to make an immediate impact in the Netherlands, leveraging the indoor conditions to reset his season.
Later in February, Alcaraz will compete at the Doha ATP 500, signaling a pivot away from his usual clay-court outings in South America. This strategic shift highlights his focus on hard courts and energy conservation.
A Change in the Fall: Skipping Beijing for Tokyo
Alcaraz’s scheduling adjustments extend into the fall, where he’s decided to forgo the Beijing ATP 500, a tournament he won last year after a thrilling final against Jannik Sinner. Instead, the Spaniard will play the Tokyo ATP 500, marking a significant change in his routine.
“Opting for Tokyo shows Alcaraz’s willingness to explore new challenges and manage his schedule strategically,” tennis experts commented. “While it means not defending his Beijing title, it might help him stay fresher for the demanding latter part of the season.”
Looking Ahead
With four Grand Slam titles already to his name, Alcaraz remains a strong contender on the ATP Tour. His revised schedule and expanded coaching team demonstrate a thoughtful approach to achieving consistency and adaptability in 2025. All eyes will be on Rotterdam and Doha as Alcaraz works to regain his winning form and establish himself as the year’s dominant force.