Carlos Alcaraz is navigating the mental pressures of elite professional tennis by leaning on a structured support system and sharpening his psychological resilience, according to recent statements given to Italian sports media. Ranked as the world number two by the Association of Tennis Professionals, the Spanish star opened up about his approach to handling high expectations during an interview published by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Managing Expectations at Age 22
At just 22 years old, Carlos Alcaraz carries the weight of a five-time Grand Slam champion who is frequently categorized by observers as a generational talent destined for tennis history. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the native of El Palmar, Spain, explained that his primary coping mechanism is stripping away external noise and returning to the fundamental joy of the sport. “When I’m on court, I try not to think about anything other than playing a sport that I enjoy. It was always my dream to be a tennis player. I think it’s easier to deal with the pressure that way, I simply focus on the game,” Alcaraz stated. The right-hander acknowledged that public criticism weighed heavily on him during earlier phases of his career, but he has since learned to insulate himself from outside commentary, viewing defeats as essential stepping stones for steady improvement.
The Role of Sports Psychology in Alcaraz’s Career
Acknowledging that tennis is a notoriously solitary, physically punishing, and mentally demanding discipline, Alcaraz emphasized that professional athletes require a qualified team to unlock their full potential. A core component of that setup is his sports psychologist. “Sometimes, it’s inevitable that negative thoughts arise, but my psychologist helps me manage it a lot. I’ve worked with her for five years and I’ve noticed a huge difference. Since she gives me advice on how to deal with stress during matches, my mentality has improved remarkably,” Alcaraz told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Reflecting on a Strong 20th and 21st Century Campaign
Alcaraz’s reflections follow a productive stretch on the ATP Tour that has cemented his status at the very top of men’s tennis alongside rival Jannik Sinner. Over the span of recent competition cycles, Alcaraz captured titles at Roland Garros, Monte Carlo, and Rome, while also reaching the finals at Wimbledon and Barcelona, alongside a semifinal run at the Australian Open. Reviewing those milestones, the five-time major champion pointed specifically to his grueling triumph in the French capital. “I’ve done very important things, I met key objectives set at the beginning of the year and I want to continue in this line. I often think about the Roland Garros final and I still don’t know how I pulled it off. That match showed me that you have to keep believing in yourself until the end, without ever getting discouraged, no matter what happens,” Alcaraz said. Regarding his loss in the grass-court major summit clash, he added, “At Wimbledon I gave my best, but Jannik’s level was extraordinary.”
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