Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old sensation from Spain, has emerged swiftly as one of the foremost figures in international tennis, captivating audiences with his dynamic playing style and impressive achievements. His remarkable ascent has seen him claim four major titles, including consecutive Wimbledon championships in 2023 and 2024. Alcaraz’s prowess on the tennis court is unmistakable, with many experts and fans alike forecasting his potential to join the pantheon of tennis legends. His next significant challenge looms at the end of May when he seeks to defend his French Open title, an event viewers can catch live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Despite his burgeoning fame and accolades, Alcaraz maintains a grounded perspective on success. He realizes that the essence of triumph extends beyond the mere act of hoisting trophies; it embodies the values and conduct he embodies both on and off the court. The young athlete has expressed a profound desire to mirror the characteristics of his icons, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, particularly in their unwavering kindness and sportsmanship. Alcaraz shared these reflections during an insightful conversation on the Louis Vuitton [Extended] podcast, emphasizing the importance of personal conduct in inspiring future generations of tennis players.
When discussing his aspirations to be a role model, Alcaraz stated, “I think the most important thing is being kind, being a good person.” He further elaborated on the significance of exhibiting good behavior on the court and imparting positive values to young fans. This commitment to sportsmanship is particularly poignant for Alcaraz; he finds it disheartening to observe players displaying rudeness and a lack of respect. In contrast, he takes inspiration from Nadal and Federer, recalling the impact they had on him as he embarked on his own career. “When I started, I felt they were being such great guys for me,” he recalled. “I really want to be like these guys, and I want to be the same for the kids.”
While Alcaraz’s trajectory has been largely upward since his breakthrough into the tennis elite, he faced a more challenging season in 2025. Up to now, he has secured only one title, taking home the trophy at the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam, and has not advanced to the finals of other tournaments this year. However, rather than letting setbacks affect him negatively, Alcaraz regards these experiences as opportunities for growth. He attributes much of his character development and professional success to the influence of his father and his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Ferrero, a former professional player who has guided Alcaraz since he was 16, has played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to both tennis and life. Alcaraz acknowledged, “Probably thanks to Juan Carlos, I’m the player I am right now.” The two share a bond forged through extensive time spent together—both in training sessions and during travel. Ferrero has instilled in Alcaraz the belief that personal virtues significantly impact on-court performance. “He told me the importance of being a good person off the court and that the things you’re doing outside are going to have a huge impact on the court,” Alcaraz explained.
Equally influential is Alcaraz’s father, who, having played tennis in his youth, instilled in his son a love for the sport. “His passion, his life is tennis, that’s what he taught me,” Alcaraz said. “Playing tennis with passion, with love. If I choose that tennis is my life, do it with passion. I think that’s a pretty good lesson I learned from him.” This deep-rooted passion and the guidance from his family and coach reflect Alcaraz’s commitment not only to tennis excellence but also to embodying the virtues that he believes make a true champion.
As Alcaraz prepares for the French Open, millions will be eager to witness how he channels his experiences and values in pursuing further successes, echoing the legacy of kindness and excellence set by his idols, Nadal and Federer. The upcoming tournament will not only test his skills but also reinforce the principles he strives to uphold both on and off the court—values that can inspire the next generation of athletes. Watch and stream the 2025 French Open live on TNT Sports and discovery+.