The Spaniard after the success in Melbourne: “There’s a lot of talk about how much I like to have fun, but this doesn’t exclude my desire to play tennis. I’m determined not to leave anything to anyone”
“I don’t think I have to prove anything to anyone, even when I do things that people might not agree with.” There are many pebbles from the shoes that Carlos Alcaraz is removing after his triumph at the Australian Open. It hasn’t been an easy few weeks for the world number one, with the many doubts he carried with him after the breakup with his historic coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. In an interview with “As”, the champion from Murcia made it clear that he doesn’t like the idea that people had of him after the documentary released on Netflix, where not even Ferrero was too kind towards him.
“Am I unprofessional? It’s not true”
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“With the documentary there was a lot of talk about the fact that I’m not professional, that I like to have fun, party and so on. But one thing doesn’t negate the other – explained Alcaraz – but it’s clear that to be number one in the world, to win seven Grand Slam tournaments, to get to where I am, it takes work, discipline, being there day after day. I think that’s what people should understand: I work hard every day to be here. I try not to think about what other people think. I play for myself, for mine family, for my team. What I’m passionate about is being on a tennis court, entertaining others and having fun.”
The documentary
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The reference is to the documentary released on the platform last year, which was supposed to glorify Alcaraz but which instead turned out to be a boomerang. The image of the Spaniard that came out of the Netflix series entitled “My Way” was not liked by everyone. The Murcian was described as a party lover with too many bets in Ibiza and not always focused on training, with Ferrero underlining how all this had to end: “Carlos’ concept of work and sacrifice is different from that of the big 3. It is so different that it makes me doubt whether he can become the best player in history”, said the now former coach, with various digs at Alcaraz “guilty” of having gone as a guest on an F1 weekend despite the team’s negative opinion. Many think that this also contributed to the world no.1’s decision to part ways with the coach.
“I want it all”
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With the success in Melbourne, however, the goals to be achieved in 2026 for the Murcian do not end: “The Slams are always there. Then there are the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup, which are among the most important”. Also saying “I am determined not to leave anything to anyone”.
“I’m growing up”
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The world number one then said “I am incredibly happy with this title, obviously, for everything I have achieved: being the youngest ever to have won all four Slam titles, but above all for how I have improved over the weeks, especially compared to last season – said the Spaniard – I think I have made a leap in quality and mental strength, from here on I will continue to move forward”.
“Lopez? The best”
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Alcaraz then spoke about Samuel Lopez, Ferrero’s replacement, with the coach who was also awarded in the Australian Open ceremony: “It’s nice to recognize the importance of the coach, victories are not just the result of the player’s work. I was really happy because I know that Samuel has worked all his life for a moment like this”, said Alcaraz, “for me he is one of the best coaches in the world, if not the best”.
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