As the 2025 US Open kicks off on August 24, commentator Rennae Stubbs, Serena Williams’ former coach, melted hearts with heartfelt praise for Carlos Alcaraz, highlighting his humility and kindness. Stubbs, part of ESPN’s coverage alongside John McEnroe and Chris Evert, shared a touching Instagram post after meeting the 22-year-old Spaniard, captioning a photo with him: “His kindness & humility is why he’s so special. A true champion on & off the court!” The post, which went viral, resonated with fans, amplifying Alcaraz’s reputation as a beloved figure.
Stubbs’ Emotional Tribute
Stubbs, who has followed Alcaraz since his ATP Tour debut, expressed awe at his character, noting, “I’ve watched him grow, and his heart matches his talent.” Her comments reflect Alcaraz’s off-court impact, including his Carlos Alcaraz Garfia Foundation, launched in 2024 to support underprivileged children through sports and health initiatives (web:0). Fans on X echoed Stubbs’ sentiment, with one post stating, “Rennae nailed it—Carlos is a gem! Humble king” (@TennisFanUSA, August 23, 2025). Alcaraz’s former coach, Kiko Navarro, reinforced this, telling EssentiallySports, “He’s always been humble, winning over the public with his closeness” (web:0).
Alcaraz’s 2025 US Open Campaign
Alcaraz, seeded second, enters the US Open fresh off a Cincinnati Open title, aiming to reclaim the crown he won in 2022. His draw includes Reilly Opelka in the first round, with potential clashes against Karen Khachanov and Novak Djokovic in later rounds. Despite a shock 2024 second-round exit to Botic van de Zandschulp, Alcaraz’s 54-10 record and five Grand Slam titles, including the 2025 French Open, make him a favorite alongside Jannik Sinner (web:13). Patrick Mouratoglou, another prominent coach, picked Alcaraz for the title, citing his “unmatched versatility” .
Broader Context
Stubbs’ praise underscores Alcaraz’s unique blend of talent and character, akin to Coco Gauff’s resilience amid coaching changes or Luke Littler’s darts stardom. His candidness about mental health, admitting to struggles after his 2024 US Open loss, further endears him to fans (web:3). Social media buzzed with support, with one fan noting, “Carlos’ humility is why we root for him. Stubbs gets it” (@VamosCarlos, August 23, 2025). As Alcaraz navigates a challenging draw and privacy concerns after clashing with organizers over intrusive microphones, Stubbs’ words highlight his ability to inspire, both on and off the court, at the 2025 US Open.
