Carlos Alcaraz clinched the US Open yesterday with a convincing victory over Jannik Sinner, a triumph that caps months of evolution shaped by the release of his Netflix documentary and the turning point of his early exit at the Miami Masters 1000. Since then, the Spaniard has reinforced his competitive stability, showing in New York a tactical and mental consistency that now places him at the top of the ATP rankings as world No. 1.
The documentary “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way,” released in April, revealed the philosophy of the Murcian star: an ambition without limits to reach the level of the ‘Big Three,’ but without giving up his youth and personal balance. While his approach may appear less rigid than other greats on tour, it actually reflects a different way of working—demanding, structured, and deeply focused.
In the weeks following its release, Alcaraz maintained solid results. He lifted the trophy in Rotterdam, competed strongly in Indian Wells—falling to Jack Draper after a positive streak—and remained among the favorites in every tournament leading up to Miami, where expectations were high.
The Miami collapse as a turning point
At the Miami Open, however, he suffered an unexpected second-round defeat to David Goffin. The 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 scoreline exposed inconsistencies in his game and a sense of fatigue that he later acknowledged: “It was a poor match, I didn’t feel good at any moment.” That early exit symbolized what he himself described as having “hit rock bottom.”
Following that loss, Alcaraz deliberately stepped back: he spent time with his family and traveled to Mexico before beginning the clay season. It was a decision consistent with what the documentary highlighted—the importance of preserving youth and personal balance. This pause can be compared to his traditional trips to Ibiza after Roland Garros, which in 2024 helped him clear his mind and return fresh to triumph in Paris, even if in previous seasons those breaks had not always translated into success.
Mental recovery and titles as the result of balance
From Miami onwards, Alcaraz’s path shifted dramatically. He strung together high-level performances, showed consistency on clay, and collected career-defining victories. He had already stunned the world with his maiden Grand Slam at the US Open 2022, confirmed his rise at Wimbledon 2023, reached new heights at Roland Garros 2024, and yesterday secured his sixth major by reclaiming the US Open 2025 crown. That sequence of titles highlights not only his talent but also the maturity with which he has learned to manage his emotions.
In yesterday’s final, he overcame Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The Spaniard dropped just one set across the entire tournament, was broken only three times in seven matches, and finished the final with 24 unforced errors. “It’s difficult not to think about being number one, but I don’t want to,” he said afterward, underlining his intention to avoid obsession with rankings and focus instead on enjoying the game.
Federer’s advice and the medium-term mindset
In New York, Alcaraz also revealed a piece of advice from Roger Federer that has shaped his outlook: “He told me not to think about when I’m 35 or 38, but about the next five years.” That medium-term vision ties in with the process of recent months, where handling pressure and seeking balance have been key to sustaining his performance.
This mental approach is also visible in small details: during the US Open, he mixed practice sessions with rounds of golf alongside Juan Carlos Ferrero, Sergio García, and David Puig. It was another reminder that controlled disconnection can be part of preparation. From the release of the Netflix documentary, through the setback in Miami, to his triumph in Flushing Meadows, the journey of Carlos Alcaraz underscores the importance of working on the mental side to translate it into major victories.
