When many believed no one in Spain could replicate Rafael Nadal’s extraordinary career, Carlos Alcaraz emerged, breaking records and becoming the youngest player in history to achieve the World No. 1 ranking. Now 22, Alcaraz has made it clear that his ultimate goal is to be the best player in tennis history—but on his own terms.
Alcaraz’s philosophy has sparked debate, especially following the release of his documentary “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way,” where he spoke candidly about his ambitions and challenges. “I’m paving my way to becoming the best player in history. And I want to do it my way,” Alcaraz said. “Right now, my biggest fear is seeing tennis as an obligation. Sometimes I feel like I’m enslaved to tennis, and that causes anxiety, frustration, and doubts”.
Addressing Alcaraz’s comments, Carlos Moyá, a former World No. 1 and Nadal’s longtime coach, acknowledged the young star’s potential to win more Grand Slam titles in the near future. However, he expressed doubts about Alcaraz’s ability to sustain long-term success with his current mindset.
“It’s a viable option if you want to win Grand Slams in the short term. In the long term, it’s complicated because tennis is a long-distance race,” Moyá said during an event with Pedro Escudero. “Can he become one of the best in history? I see it as difficult even if he has a normal life. Being a slave to tennis is already very complicated… Although it’s clear that, given his level, he can be”.
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain speaks to Rafa Nadal’s Coach, Carlos Moya during practice on Day Two of the Madrid Open. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Moyá further noted that none of the sport’s legends—Nadal, Novak Djokovic, or Roger Federer—achieved their status while living a “normal life.” “Of the three who have achieved it—Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer—none have done it the way Alcaraz envisions. But he’s still a pioneer, and he could make it happen,” Moyá added.
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Moyá reflects on Nadal’s balance
Having coached Nadal from 2017 through his retirement, Moyá emphasized that Rafa never let tennis consume his life entirely but he was still able to reach the top of the sport.
“Rafa had a great life outside of tennis—not so much attending events like Formula 1 or motorcycling, but he had a very full life off the court,” Moyá explained. “I know him well, and I know he had his hobbies and enjoyed his free time. Rafa was not a slave to tennis”.
