Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

'I don't want to be called Rafa's successor - I'm Carlos Alcaraz'

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Wednesday, 23 April 2025 01:32

In one scene, Alcaraz talks tearfully about the moment he smashed his racquet after a second-round loss to Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Open.

"The fact of the matter is, I wasn't mentally strong enough to overcome all the stress," he says.

"I didn't know if I needed to quit or if I was losing my passion."

Alcaraz also speaks about the impact of his 2023 French Open semi-final defeat by Novak Djokovic, after which he decided to go on holiday to Ibiza.

"I wanted to go there basically to just get wasted," he says.

"I made the most of it because I knew I might not get another three days like that. When I got back, of course, I won Queen's and Wimbledon.

"I'm not saying partying helped me win, but taking that time off was good for me."

Alcaraz returned to Ibiza last year, against advice from his agent Albert Molina Lopez and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Soon afterwards, his Queen's title defence was ended in the second round by Britain's Jack Draper - although Alcaraz went on to beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final later that month.

"We all knew amongst ourselves that he shouldn't have gone to Ibiza," says Ferrero.

The former world number one, who previously coached Alexander Zverev, appears frustrated with his protege at times.

"We are here to create the greatest player because of his abilities and opportunities," he says. "But if he's not that determined, [if] he's OK with being ranked number 15 in the world, then we'll lower our expectations.

"But knowing the way I am, I think it would be very hard for me to keep working with him."

In the final scenes, Alcaraz wonders whether he has "the mindset" to "become the greatest player in history".

"Well, right now, I don't know," he says. "I'm still young, I have a lot ahead of me, but from what I've lived so far, I definitely prefer to put happiness before any kind of accomplishment.

"Being happy is an accomplishment and happiness isn't always easy to find."

Read 6 times

Soccer

Szczesny on smoking: Don't follow my example

Szczesny on smoking: Don't follow my example

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBarcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny told ESPN he has lost his ba...

Barcelona's Szczesny: Outspoken, unorthodox, on course for his best-ever season

Barcelona's Szczesny: Outspoken, unorthodox, on course for his best-ever season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBARCELONA -- Wojciech Szczesny wouldn't have believed you if you'd...

Source: Bayern's Müller rejects Cincinnati offer

Source: Bayern's Müller rejects Cincinnati offer

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBayern Munich midfielder/forward Thomas Müller has rejected a contr...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

The fishing ad that foreshadowed this incredible resurgence from Kawhi Leonard

The fishing ad that foreshadowed this incredible resurgence from Kawhi Leonard

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe video Kawhi Leonard released across social media on Dec. 27 was...

Mavs coach Kidd joins Everton ownership group

Mavs coach Kidd joins Everton ownership group

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNBA Hall of Famer and Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has jo...

Baseball

Twins' Lewis ready to start rehab assignment

Twins' Lewis ready to start rehab assignment

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis will begin...

Nats activate All-Star Abrams off injured list

Nats activate All-Star Abrams off injured list

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWASHINGTON -- All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams rejoined the Nationals f...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated