“That’s a lie” – Carlos Alcaraz bluntly shuts down media narrative that he was ever close to quitting tennis
After his first-round victory over J.J. Wolf (6-1, 6-2, 6-4) at the French Open 2025 on May 27, Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2, forcefully debunked a Spanish media narrative suggesting he nearly quit tennis as a child to pursue soccer. In a post-match press conference, when asked about reports claiming he considered abandoning tennis, Alcaraz responded bluntly, “That’s a lie.” The 22-year-old, a three-time Grand Slam champion and defending Roland Garros winner, clarified that while he enjoys soccer and supports Real Madrid, tennis was always his focus. This exchange, following his dominant performance, aligns with the French Open’s themes of resilience, seen in Ons Jabeur’s scheduling rant and Alex de Minaur’s gritty win, while reinforcing Alcaraz’s mental toughness as he aims for a fourth major title.
Context of the Narrative and Alcaraz’s Response
The Spanish press had circulated a story alleging that Alcaraz, as a young player, was torn between tennis and soccer, nearly choosing the latter professionally. Alcaraz dismissed this outright, emphasizing his commitment to tennis from an early age, where he won the 2016 Rafa Nadal Tour at 13 and turned pro at 15. His soccer fandom, including interactions with Real Madrid in December 2024 and joking about playing for them, likely fueled the narrative, but he clarified these were lighthearted moments, not serious career considerations. “I love football, but tennis is my path,” he said.
Alcaraz’s swift rebuttal, captured in Spanish during the press conference, resonated with fans on X, who admired his focus. The narrative’s timing, ahead of his second-round match against Fabian Marozsan, underscores the pressure on Alcaraz, who has battled an adductor injury but won Monte-Carlo and Rome in 2025.
French Open Performance and Broader Themes
Alcaraz’s 79-minute rout of Wolf, with 27 winners and only 17 unforced errors, showcased his clay-court dominance, building on his 2024 Roland Garros title, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in five sets. His performance, alongside de Minaur’s 27th win of 2025 against Laslo Djere, and Jabeur’s critique of sexist scheduling, reflects the French Open’s narrative of resilience under scrutiny. Alcaraz’s denial of the quitting story mirrors his on-court intensity, akin to Iga Swiatek’s rout of Emma Raducanu, and Andre Agassi’s praise of Zverev’s backhand.
Conclusion
Carlos Alcaraz’s emphatic “That’s a lie” response to claims he nearly quit tennis for soccer reaffirmed his dedication after his French Open 2025 first-round win over Wolf on May 27. His dismissal of the narrative, amplified on X, highlights his mental clarity as he pursues a fourth Grand Slam, facing Marozsan next. Alcaraz’s focus, like de Minaur’s fight and Jabeur’s advocacy, embodies the French Open’s themes of perseverance, cementing his status as a top contender.
