Toni Nadal’s Blunt Advice to Carlos Alcaraz Amid Girlfriend Search Struggles
Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old defending French Open champion, was sensationally advised to quit tennis by Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, following revelations in a Netflix documentary, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, about his struggles with the sport’s pressures and personal life. Alcaraz, who reached the French Open 2025 final against Jannik Sinner on June 8, admitted to feeling “enslaved to tennis” at times, experiencing “anxiety, frustration, and doubts,” and fearing the sport could become an “obligation,” per Wales Online. He also opened up about the challenges of finding a girlfriend due to his jet-setting lifestyle, saying, “It’s complicated to never stay in one place. It’s difficult to find the person who can share things with you if you’re always in different parts of the world,” per The Mirror.
Toni Nadal, speaking on the Nude Project podcast, responded critically, suggesting Alcaraz should walk away if he can’t handle the demands. “If it is too much for him, then he should quit tennis,” he said, per Wales Online, though he hadn’t watched the documentary. He acknowledged Alcaraz’s talent, adding, “I hope he doesn’t change jobs because he’s one of the best in the world,” but stressed the need to accept the “compromises” of fame, including significant earnings and recognition, which Alcaraz’s £30 million prize money and £32 million in endorsements reflect, per Express.co.uk. Alcaraz’s comments about partying in Ibiza before his 2023 Wimbledon title also drew scrutiny, with Toni implying such behavior might hinder his longevity compared to the “Big Three” (Nadal, Federer, Djokovic).
Alcaraz, previously linked to Murcia tennis player Maria Gonzalez Gimenez until a 2023 split, remains single, joking about peers like Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur getting engaged while he waits for his “turn,” per The Mirror. Despite personal challenges, his 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 quarter-final win over Tommy Paul at Roland Garros 2025 shows his focus, per Tennis.com. Toni’s advice, while harsh, underscores the high expectations for Alcaraz to balance his personal life and career as he aims for a fifth Grand Slam title.[]
