Carlos Alcaraz’s electric US Open triumph over Jannik Sinner last month marked his sixth Grand Slam title and edged him ahead once again in the thrilling battle between the two standout tennis players of the new generation. The consummate champion lost just one set in the whole tournament (to Sinner) and dropped serve only three times.

Flushing Meadows, New York, holds fond memories for the youthful Alcaraz. It was here, in 2022 at the age of 19, that he claimed his first Grand Slam title, becoming the youngest number-one-ranked player in ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) history. Born in El Palmar in Murcia, Spain, on 5 May 2003, he showed early promise in the sport, training under Juan Carlos Ferrero, himself a former world number one. The teenager’s aggressive playing style, combined with his exceptional speed and tactical intelligence, quickly set him apart from his peers.

Match Set 

His development was shaped by countless hours of training at the Ferrero Tennis Academy in Alicante, where he refined his technique, mental toughness and strategic approach. Unlike many young players who struggle with consistency, Alcaraz displayed a level of maturity that propelled him into the professional ranks with confidence. His ability to adapt to different surfaces has made him a formidable opponent across all tournaments. 

Alcaraz’s journey to becoming a world champion has been marked by record-breaking achievements and memorable matches. When he faced off with Sinner at Roland Garros in June, it was the longest final ever at the Paris tournament, lasting five hours and 29 minutes. This victory in their see-saw contest made him the third-youngest player – behind Bjorn Borg and his compatriot Rafael Nadal – to win five Grand Slam titles; the first player born in the 2000s to claim 20 tour-level titles; and the eighth man in the Open Era to successfully defend the French Open title.

Playing to his Strength 

Far from the tallest of modern-day players at six foot (1.83m), Alcaraz excels with a blend of power, precision and athleticism. The right-hander’s ability to switch between aggressive baseline play and delicate net shots makes him unpredictable. He combines heavy topspin, drop shots and volleys seamlessly. His movement around the court is exceptional, allowing him to chase down seemingly unreachable balls.

His serve is considered his main weakness, but in the US Open final, it blew commentators – and Sinner – away.  He made 61 percent of first serves, committed zero double faults and won a key game in the fourth set with two straight 132 mph (212.4 km/h) aces, among a total of 10 in the match.

He also exhibits a mental toughness – staying composed under pressure has led to multiple comeback victories, as evidenced against Sinner in Paris this year. Yet, Alcaraz has questioned his own fortitude in this regard. “I’ve taken steps backwards, like I’m not doing well mentally, I’m not strong,” he says. “I don’t know how to control myself when faced with problems and I don’t know how to handle them.” Speaking so openly about his mental health has endeared him to many beyond the confines of his sport.

Grand Slam Elan

The Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry has become one of the most exciting matchups in modern tennis. Before Flushing Meadows, the 24-year-old Italian had been ranked above the 22-year-old Spaniard as world number one for 65 consecutive weeks. Their epic clashes at the French Open, Wimbledon (which Sinner won) and the US Open this year are testaments to their competitive spirit, with both players pushing each other to the limit.

Alcaraz’s back-to-back Wimbledon wins in 2023 and 2024, both against Novak Djokovic, also epitomise his Grand Slam grit, whether on grass, clay or hardcourt. Tennis legends like Andre Agassi have praised his skills, comparing him to Roger Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, the ‘Big Three’ of the past 20 years.

Alcaraz has already achieved historic milestones, but his career is still in its infancy. He is expected to win many more Grand Slam titles and challenge the records set by the Big Three. He will certainly want to win the Australian Open next year to notch up a Career Grand Slam. “It’s my first goal, to be honest … to complete a Career Grand Slam, Calendar Grand Slam. So it’s going to be great [there],” he enthuses.

Off-Court Appeal

Beyond tennis, Alcaraz has embraced his role as a global sports ambassador. He has used his platform to promote youth development programmes, supporting young athletes through sponsorships and mentorship. Additionally, he remains deeply connected to his Spanish roots, often visiting local tennis academies to inspire the next generation.

Last year, he launched the Carlos Alcaraz Garfia Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children. Following the devastating floods in Valencia last October, the charity provided buses to transport volunteers to the affected areas and held a fundraising auction.

His humility and grounded personality have made him one of the most admired figures in sports today.  Despite his well-publicised “partying” break in Ibiza after winning the French Open, he is a self-confessed homeboy.  When he isn’t training or touring, Carlitos (little Carlos) – as his family calls him – still lives with his parents in Murcia. “When I finish a tournament, it doesn’t matter if I win or not; I just want to get home to be with my family,” he says. “To them, I am not a big tennis star, just a normal guy.”

His elder brother Álvaros is part of his entourage, serving as his hitting partner, and his father, who worked as a local tennis coach, often accompanies them, too. He supports Real Madrid, and as a break from tennis, enjoys playing golf and chess.

Doubles Entendre

When Alcaraz committed to a mixed doubles pairing with Britain’s Emma Raducanu at the US Open, it ignited gossip about his love life. Raducanu, who famously won the US singles title in 2021 at age 18, laughed off the notion of any romantic doubles, saying they were just friends.

Previously, he has been linked with Maria Gonzalez Gimenez, a tennis player in Murcia, and some say, Spanish singer and actor Ana Mena. Before his recent string of on-court conquests, he said: “I’m single, but I’m looking for someone. It can be difficult for a tennis player to meet the right person, because they are always on the move. Who knows what will happen this year?”

Hit Rate

Many experts believe Alcaraz is the next great champion following the era of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. His ability to dominate on all surfaces and his aggressive playing style have drawn comparisons to these legends. Nadal has spoken highly of his compatriot, stating that he possesses the mindset and skill set needed to carry Spanish tennis forward. Djokovic, meanwhile, notes that he has the ability to adjust his game in real-time, much like the most successful players in history. 

Alcaraz’s journey from a promising young talent to a world champion has been nothing short of extraordinary. His determination, skill and passion for tennis make him one of the most exciting players to watch. As he continues to break records and inspire future generations, his legacy in the sport is only growing stronger.