Carlos Alcaraz has made a resolute stand to shut out his critics and channel his energy into consistency and personal improvements as he prepares for the upcoming US Open 2025, signaling a mature evolution in his approach to tennis. The 22-year-old Spanish sensation, currently ranked world No. 2, has faced a barrage of scrutiny following his Wimbledon 2025 final loss to Jannik Sinner on July 13, 2025, but he’s chosen to tune out the noise and focus on his own journey. In a recent interview with Gazzetta, Alcaraz reflected on past struggles, admitting, “There was a time when I was really influenced by criticism, and that was a very difficult time.” Now, he’s adopted a strategy of resilience, stating, “I try not to give too much importance to certain comments,” recognizing that his success hinges on incremental progress rather than reacting to every detractor.
This mindset shift is bolstered by his five-year collaboration with a mental coach, whom he credits with helping him manage negative thoughts that occasionally arise. Alcaraz explained, “Sometimes I get negative thoughts, but she helps me manage them,” adding that her guidance on handling match stress has been pivotal, though he acknowledges mental strength also depends on preparation and match dynamics. His focus on self-improvement is evident in his 2025 season, which boasts an impressive 52-9 record, including Grand Slam titles at the French Open and a pre-Wimbledon Queen’s Club win, alongside Masters 1000 victories in Monte Carlo and Rome. Despite the Wimbledon defeat—his first Grand Slam final loss—Alcaraz views it as a learning opportunity, emphasizing, “You have to accept that sometimes your rival plays better.”
Following his strategic withdrawal from the Canadian Open on July 21 to address physical and mental fatigue, Alcaraz is set to return at the Cincinnati Masters, starting August 11, 2025, as a key tune-up for the US Open, where he defends just 60 points compared to Sinner’s 3,200. This break reflects his commitment to long-term consistency, a trait he’s refining with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero to counter his reputation for unpredictable form, such as early exits in Miami and the Italian Open. His recent candor about mental health challenges aligns with a broader trend among players like Iga Swiatek, challenging tennis’s traditional stoicism and reinforcing his focus on sustainable growth.
Alcaraz’s decision to sidestep critics—some of whom have questioned his mental toughness after Wimbledon—underscores a mature resolve to build a lasting legacy. Fans on X have noted this shift, with @tennisinsider posting, “Alcaraz is tuning out the noise and focusing on the game—smart move.” As the afternoon sun shines at 01:47 PM WAT on Friday, July 25, 2025, in West Africa, his preparation in Spain signals a determined push to reclaim the No. 1 ranking, blending physical recovery with mental fortitude to face Sinner and other rivals in a bid for his sixth Grand Slam title.