Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic in the US Open 2025 semi-final, on 5/9/2025 in New York, USA. Photo: Reuters

Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic in the US Open 2025 semi-final, on 5/9/2025 in New York, USA. Photo: Reuters

Carlos Alcaraz walked through the corridors of Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, clutching the 2025 US Open trophy like a baby. "Careful, don't drop it! That wouldn't be good at all...", he joked as he left.

Now, having secured his sixth Grand Slam title and becoming a global star with the highest earnings in tennis in 2025, the player born in El Palmar, Murcia, Spain, still retains the same sincerity and approachability as in his early days.

Alcaraz discussed his recent victory and his approach to the game in an interview with El Pais.

When asked if the 2025 US Open was his most perfect tournament, Alcaraz responded, "Perhaps, because I played at a very high level from start to finish, maintaining consistency in all matches. Technically, it was two great weeks of competition. After all, I strive every day for this. You have to appreciate the achievement because winning a Grand Slam is extremely difficult, so now is the time to enjoy it."

Regarding the praise he received from his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and former world number 1, Mats Wilander, who called him "too good and comprehensive," Alcaraz said, "We try to be the best version of ourselves every day. For me, that's the most important thing. Ferrero and I talked about perfection because I played well from the beginning to the end of the tournament, but in reality, I don't think it exists. Perfection can never be achieved, but perhaps we can touch it."

He added, "I keep my feet on the ground by reminding myself that I can always improve, that at some point, there will be another player, or even Jannik Sinner himself, who can surpass me and be better than me. We must constantly move forward, practice, and improve every day. Therefore, I understand that I will never be perfect. Just try to touch it. That's what keeps me motivated."

Addressing recent criticism about being a partygoer and lacking dedication, Alcaraz clarified, "No, motivation comes from within myself. Obviously, since the documentary about me, 'A Mi Manera' ('My Way'), premiered at the end of April, there has been a lot of talk about that. People say I'm addicted to partying... But I just like to enjoy life! Who doesn't like to enjoy themselves?"

He explained his perspective on balancing work and leisure, "I think that's why we work, endure hardships, accept being away from home for a long time; so that afterward, we can have our own moments and have fun. Everyone enjoys themselves in their own way, and personally, I like to go out and have fun, because I'm only 22 years old. Who hasn't done that at this age? Who hasn't enjoyed being 22? I like spending quality time with family and friends, whether it's partying or just more relaxed plans... The important thing is to have meaningful time at home with family to gain more motivation before entering tournaments."

Reflecting on his personal growth, Alcaraz shared, "I'm growing and progressing, learning to handle many different situations, but I still maintain the same enthusiasm as before. I try to manage everything the best I can because this is not easy. But when things off the court are favorable, things on the court usually go smoothly. These two aspects are closely related. That's the point I've improved the most. Off the court, I've made a lot of progress and realized the importance of taking care of every detail to achieve a perfect state. I think that's my biggest step forward."

On being mindful of his public statements, especially regarding US President Donald Trump, Alcaraz said, "I understand that what I say can be magnified many times over. If you say something that's not necessarily bad or wrong, but you don't choose the right words, it can cause trouble. I simply try to be as careful as possible with what I say and how I express it. Because sometimes, when you're angry about losing a match or having a bad day, it's not easy to control your words. I always try to show myself as respectful and proper."

When asked if he considers himself a role model, Alcaraz stated, "Everyone has their own way of living and behaving. Some people like to do things their own way, even if it's not always the ideal model, but it can still work for them. But there are also people who want to do things in a standard and exemplary way, and I belong to this group. I like to inspire young people to have a role model to follow."

Commenting on Toni Nadal's praise of his versatile playing style, Alcaraz said, "That's my style, I like to play like that. I've been like that since I was a child. I believe I can do many things on the court, perform various shots, from drop shots to spin shots. Moreover, I'm increasingly satisfied with my fitness because it gives me a lot of confidence."

Regarding Sinner's comment that his playing style is "too predictable," Alcaraz disagreed, "I don't think so. Like him, I watch and study a lot of my opponent's matches. I like the way he plays; what he does is really great. I don't think he's predictable, it's just that we understand each other better because we've faced each other quite a few times, a total of 15 times, which is not a small number. I know his strengths and try to adjust to deal with them."

On Sinner's statement about needing to evolve and change, Alcaraz responded, "I don't think the 'ball' is in his court because I also have to be alert to see what he will do differently. That is, I have to be one step ahead, prepare better, and continue to improve in many aspects. That's the interesting thing about this rivalry, about the matches between us. We push each other to the limit, forcing both of us to be better every day, in every tournament. I think the best version of Carlos hasn't appeared yet."

Finally, on regaining his world number 1 ranking after two years, Alcaraz confirmed, "That's right. One of the goals of this season was to try to regain the number 1 spot as soon as possible, or at least before the end of this year. So, the dream has come true. Moreover, if that goal is achieved at the same time you win a Grand Slam, just like the first time I achieved it on 11/9/2022, the feeling is even better."

Hoang Thong (adapted from El Pais)