“Who doesn’t like to have fun at 22?” – Carlos Alcaraz shuts down criticism about his partying habits after US Open triumph
Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, delivered a spirited defense of his off-court lifestyle following his sixth Grand Slam victory at the 2025 US Open, where he reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking with a commanding 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 win over Jannik Sinner on September 7, 2025. Addressing critics who questioned his penchant for mid-season party breaks, particularly his well-documented trips to Ibiza, Alcaraz quipped, “Who doesn’t like to have fun at 22?” His response, delivered with his signature charm, underscored a philosophy that balances intense professionalism with youthful enjoyment, cementing his status as a relatable yet relentless champion.
The Ibiza Controversy and Alcaraz’s Response
Alcaraz’s partying habits, spotlighted in the Netflix docuseries *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way* (released April 23, 2025), have drawn scrutiny from fans, pundits, and even fellow players. The series, which chronicled his 2024 season, highlighted his annual post-French Open trips to Ibiza, portraying a young star who embraces downtime with friends and family. Critics, including Spanish player Roberto Bautista Agut, who remarked, “I don’t think Carlos will win Grand Slams by going to bed at seven in the morning,” argued that such breaks could hinder his focus. Rafael Nadal, however, defended Alcaraz, slamming the documentary for misrepresenting him as “someone who likes to party” rather than a “great professional” who trains rigorously.
In a post-US Open interview with *El Pais*, Alcaraz addressed the criticism head-on: “People say I really like to party and I like to enjoy myself! Who doesn’t like to enjoy themselves? I think that’s what we work for, what we suffer for, what we’re away from home for so long; to then have our moments and our fun.” He emphasized that these breaks—whether partying in Ibiza or enjoying quieter moments at home—recharge him for the grueling tennis calendar. “I like having a good time with my family and friends, whether it’s partying or not, with other, more relaxed plans. It’s about having quality time at home so I can stay motivated for tournaments,” he added. His annual Ibiza trips, often after the clay season, are a deliberate reset, allowing him to return refreshed for events like Wimbledon and the US Open.
A Dominant US Open and a Return to No. 1
Alcaraz’s 2025 US Open triumph silenced doubters who questioned his commitment. Facing Sinner, his primary rival, in the final, Alcaraz produced a near-flawless performance, winning 84% of first-serve points and 63% of second-serve points, while being broken only three times in 101 service games. His victory, which earned him $5 million and the world No. 1 ranking, marked his second US Open title (following 2022) and his sixth Grand Slam overall, tying him with Rafael Nadal at age 22 and surpassing Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer at the same age. Alcaraz’s 61 wins and seven titles in 2025, per the ATP Win/Loss Index, underscore his dominance, with a 14-1 record in five-set matches highlighting his clutch performance.
The Spaniard’s ability to balance fun and focus was evident throughout the tournament. His improved serve, a focus after earlier inconsistencies, was a standout, with ESPN noting it as “the most human part of his game” transformed into a weapon. Alcaraz’s charisma also shone, from his playful interactions with fans to a viral moment with Aryna Sabalenka on the *Today Show*, where she mistakenly called him “Jannik” before apologizing. His response—feigning offense before laughing it off—further endeared him to audiences.
A Broader Perspective: Youthful Joy Meets Elite Performance
Alcaraz’s defense of his lifestyle reflects a broader shift in tennis, where younger players embrace authenticity over the ascetic discipline of past generations. Unlike Novak Djokovic, who reportedly celebrated a Grand Slam with a single square of chocolate, or Sinner, who indulges with a hamburger, Alcaraz openly enjoys desserts, champagne, and Coca-Cola. “I’ll eat a hamburger before, during, or after a tournament,” he told the *Financial Times*, contrasting his approach with the sport’s monastic norms. His Ibiza trips, while sensationalized, are strategic, with Alcaraz noting in 2025 that his latest visit was “quieter” than the previous year’s lively outing.
His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, acknowledges the balance, stating, “He’s growing up. It’s the way of life.” Ferrero’s guidance, combined with Alcaraz’s natural flair—described by *The New Yorker* as “darting and dashing” with unmatched speed—has produced a player who wins while captivating crowds. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with @alcarchive quoting Ben Shelton: “He’s probably the most exciting thing in tennis right now. The way he plays, the way he interacts with the crowd… Unpredictable.”
Looking Ahead: Davis Cup Withdrawal and Future Goals
Despite his US Open success, Alcaraz withdrew from the Davis Cup tie against Denmark (September 13-14, 2025) to recover from the intense New York campaign, a decision reflecting his need for rest after a hectic season. His focus now shifts to the Laver Cup in San Francisco (September 19-21, 2025) and the Asian swing, including the Shanghai Masters (October 6-12, 2025). With two Grand Slams in 2025 (French Open and US Open), Alcaraz is on pace to challenge Djokovic’s record of 24 majors by his early 30s, as projected by *BBC Sport*.
Alcaraz’s unapologetic embrace of fun at 22 doesn’t detract from his ambition. “At 22 years old, it’s difficult to already be at your maximum level,” he said post-US Open. “Little by little, I’ll keep improving to try and get there.” His ability to blend youthful exuberance with elite performance—evidenced by his 42 winners and only 24 unforced errors against Sinner—positions him as a role model for the next generation, much like Alex de Minaur, who praised Alcaraz and Sinner as “setting the standard.”
A Champion Who Enjoys Life
Alcaraz’s retort—“Who doesn’t like to have fun at 22?”—is more than a quip; it’s a manifesto for a new era of tennis stardom. His Ibiza escapades, far from a liability, are a calculated release that fuels his motivation, as he explained: “It’s about having quality time at home so I can stay motivated for tournaments.” As he continues to dominate, backed by Ferrero, his family, and a global fanbase, Alcaraz proves that joy and greatness can coexist. With six Grand Slams and a return to No. 1, the Spaniard is rewriting the script for what it means to be a tennis champion, one party—and one trophy—at a time.
