2025 has been a year of resounding success for Alcaraz, marked by seven titles, including two Grand Slams. However, it also included a significant turning point: his first-round loss to veteran David Goffin at the Miami Open on 21/3.

The defeat came as the young Spaniard was expected to climb to the world number one ranking following Jannik Sinner’s three-month suspension.

Alcaraz expresses disappointment after losing to Goffin at the 2025 Miami Open on 21/3. Photo: Reuters

Alcaraz expresses disappointment after losing to Goffin at the 2025 Miami Open on 21/3. Photo: Reuters

"You could say that in Miami, I hit rock bottom. I didn't even know what to say at the press conference," Alcaraz recalled. "The loss to Draper at Indian Wells before that had already hurt a lot. The loss to Goffin in Miami was the final straw. I had to stop, sit down, and think about what was happening."

Returning from Miami, Alcaraz sought refuge in Riviera Maya, Mexico, with his family. "That moment helped me realize many things. Difficult times are when you learn the most. I learned to focus on what's truly important. There are many things you think are important, but perhaps they're not," the newly crowned US Open champion said about his valuable downtime with loved ones.

In Miami, many thoughts raced through his mind, including the idea of taking a break from competition. "Many thoughts came up, and one of the best decisions I made was to take a few days off to think things through and see everything objectively, and then make a decision," Alcaraz explained.

The pressure to succeed and the accompanying fame can easily trap athletes. Alcaraz, with around 10 million social media followers, admitted it's not a healthy environment and can even be toxic. "Even though athletes like me need it for work, nothing on there is real. People present a life that isn't theirs, a face that isn't theirs. And besides, there are many people who can hurt you with a simple comment. I think there's no worse weapon than words," he stated.

Alcaraz (left) with his parents and brother Alvaro during their vacation in Mexico. Photo: Instagram

Alcaraz (left) with his parents and brother Alvaro during their vacation in Mexico. Photo: Instagram

Instead, the 22-year-old sought solace in his most familiar world: his family and friends, as he shared with the Financial Times. "They were with me when I was nobody, and tennis was just a hobby. When I'm with them, I feel like a normal person, not a tennis player or a celebrity. It’s like going back to my childhood, and that's wonderful… Returning to my family is how I recharge," Alcaraz said.

Before the two shock defeats at Indian Wells and Miami, Alcaraz had only one title in the first two months of 2025, winning the Rotterdam Open on 9/2. But thanks to reflection and quiet time with his family, he made an impressive comeback. Starting with Monte Carlo—his first Masters 1000 title on 13/4—the 22-year-old claimed five more titles in just five months, including his fifth and sixth Grand Slams at Roland Garros and the US Open.

According to Alcaraz, the early-season events were part of a growth process, helping him mature. "The great thing is that during my vacation in Mexico with my family, I still asked my team to send me fitness and training plans because I didn't want to lose my form. Even though it was only five days off, I still wanted to keep training, go to the gym, and prepare so that when I got home, I could start training without any difficulty," Alcaraz explained.

Alcaraz returns a serve in the 2025 US Open final against Sinner on 7/9. Photo: AP

Alcaraz returns a serve in the 2025 US Open final against Sinner on 7/9. Photo: AP

"During the last days of that vacation, I told my parents and my agent, Albert Molina, 'I want to go home immediately.' My younger brothers wanted me to stay another week, but I realized I needed to go back. That's when I knew this vacation had really helped. When I play with all my passion in tournaments, that's when I truly enjoy it," Alcaraz added.

The rest of the season became history. With almost four months left before the new year, Alcaraz has had his best season yet, even breaking his personal record for accumulated points. This consistency propelled him back to the world number one spot after 729 days.

Compiled by Hoang Thong