Carlos Alcaraz just did something the critics have been waiting for

It’s no secret that Carlos Alcaraz can be a spectacular tennis player when he’s locked in. His shot-making arsenal is good enough to break down any opponent when he’s in rhythm. From a young age, he’s grown used to winning—and we’ve grown used to watching him do it.

But over parts of last season and the start of 2025, he hasn’t always looked like the best version of himself. The results have been solid, but slightly inconsistent by his sky-high standards. Alcaraz has spent months working on how to handle frustration and the constant pressure of being the man everyone wants to beat. And yet, he never hides. He keeps smiling, trusts his talent, and embraces the moment.

The comparisons with the Big Three—however unfair—are inevitable. And many say Alcaraz struggles to grind out wins when his magic isn’t flowing. Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic were ruthless competitors who found ways to win even when they weren’t at their best. That’s what made them legends. They didn’t start out that way—they got there by constantly evolving.

Critics quick to lay into Alcaraz

With Alcaraz, even after racking up 17 ATP titles at just 21 years old—including four Grand Slams and five Masters 1000s—everyone seems in a rush to judge. “He’ll never be Nadal.” “He gets injured too often.” “Great game, but no grit.” “He freezes in big moments.” But the reality is, Alcaraz is still learning, still growing, and still firmly among the game’s elite. And it’s worth noting: the modern game is faster, more physical, and more demanding than ever.

Between wins, we’ve seen him tweak his serve, sharpen his backhand, lean harder into his heavy topspin forehand… and even bring Samuel López into his coaching team, still led by Juan Carlos Ferrero. Alcaraz is still a chosen one—still hungry, still passionate, still all-in on his dreams. Yes, he gets frustrated. Yes, he drops matches he shouldn’t. He’s human—especially one with the kind of firepower that few others possess.

On Friday in Monte Carlo, against an inspired Fils and far from his best form—riddled with unforced errors on serve and return—Alcaraz never lost his humility. He fought from behind in every set, and still found a way to win. It wasn’t pretty, but it was gutsy. Another step forward in a story that’s only just beginning.

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