Toni Nadal suggests at what point Carlos Alcaraz should ‘quit tennis’ after watching his Netflix documentary
Toni Nadal’s Blunt Advice to Carlos Alcaraz: Quit Tennis If It Overwhelms You
Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, sparked controversy with his candid remarks about Carlos Alcaraz, suggesting the young Spaniard should “quit tennis” if the sport’s demands overwhelm him. Speaking on the Nude Project podcast, as reported by *Tennishead.net* on June 2, 2025, Toni commented on Alcaraz’s Netflix documentary, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, which premiered April 23, 2025. The three-part series reveals Alcaraz’s struggles to balance his meteoric tennis career with his desire to enjoy life as a 22-year-old, including moments of mental exhaustion and trips to Ibiza. Toni, who hasn’t seen the full documentary, stated, “If it overwhelms him, then he should quit tennis. I understand things differently in life. In the end, in the world of sport, there is a tendency to exaggerate everything.” He emphasized that Alcaraz, as a four-time Grand Slam champion, must accept the “price” of sacrifice, given his earnings—over $40 million in prize money—and global recognition, per *Tennis.com*.[
Alcaraz’s documentary, produced by Morena Films, follows his 2024 season, capturing triumphs like his French Open and Wimbledon titles and personal moments, such as partying in Ibiza after a mentally draining 2023 Roland Garros loss to Novak Djokovic. “Sometimes I feel like I am enslaved to tennis and that causes anxiety, frustration, doubts,” Alcaraz admitted, expressing his fear of seeing tennis as an obligation. Toni countered, “I hope Alcaraz doesn’t change, because he’s one of the best in the world, but one has to accept the challenge.” He contrasted Alcaraz’s perspective with Rafael’s, recalling how his nephew found joy in tennis despite sacrifices, like playing arcade games while peers were in school, per *Tennishead.net*. Toni argued that Alcaraz’s wealth and unique experiences outweigh the costs, but if they don’t, “it’s better to make another decision.”[\
The remarks drew mixed reactions. Fans on X, like @PuntoDBreak, quoted Toni’s blunt advice, while @DeporteslaSexta noted his criticism of Alcaraz’s attitude, sparking debate. Some, like @OlympicDeportes, referenced Toni’s *El País* column on the “banalization of sacrifice,” while others, per *Tennis365.com*, felt his comments were harsh, given Alcaraz’s youth and candor about mental health. Alcaraz, currently in the 2025 French Open quarter-finals against Tommy Paul after a 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 win over Ben Shelton, remains focused, displaying sportsmanship by conceding a point to Shelton, per *Tennistemple.com*. As he chases a fifth major, Toni’s words underscore the tension between Alcaraz’s pursuit of happiness and the relentless demands of greatness.
