Alcaraz: "I often play on instinct in important moments, which isn't good"
Carlos Alcaraz is already one of the biggest names in tennis. At just 21 years old, the Spaniard has already won four Grand Slam titles and became the youngest player since the creation of the ATP rankings to reach world No. 1. Now ranked No. 3 behind Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz hopes to win more major titles in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz gave an interview to Louis Vuitton, a brand he represents as an ambassador. In it, the two-time Wimbledon champion reflected on what he hopes to improve in his game, as well as the crucial role his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has played in his current success.
"I remember when I was between 12 and 14 years old, people started noticing that I was good at tennis and that I was doing well, but it’s thanks to Juan Carlos (Ferrero) that I’m where I am today.
We started traveling together to attend many tournaments when I was just 15. We spent a lot of time together, and I learned so much from him—both from his experiences on the court and off it.
By the age of 17, I was already aware of the importance of mastering the small details needed to succeed, and my father’s passion for tennis was also a key factor. Tennis has changed a lot over the last 20 years—we play at a much higher speed now—and I think the sport will keep evolving.
I think I can change my behavior, both on and off the court. I want to be an aggressive tennis player, someone who looks to hit hard and come to the net. I’ve realized how essential it is to believe in yourself, to have the mentality that you can beat anyone, and to face the pressure you feel in certain moments with courage.
When I’m nervous, I tell myself to stay true to my style no matter what. Of course, there are times when I’m not enjoying myself on the court because handling the pressure is tough, but then I remind myself that I’m living the dream I had as a kid.
I’ve always wanted to be part of this sport’s history. There are matches I lose but walk away proud of what I did, while others take me days to digest because the frustration of defeat is so strong.
What’s clear is that you learn more from losses than from wins. You have to accept that you won’t always play well and keep trying. You have to face adversity and fight for what you want. I try to copy what the greatest players in history have always done.
There have been times when I was winning a match and feeling good, only to drop my intensity and end up losing. I’ve learned a lot from that. I think I often play on instinct in important moments—I do what I feel, which isn’t good. Maybe I need to follow a better strategy," he said.
