When it comes to who conquered the 2025 season, Carlos Alcaraz certainly outdid himself! After a season of setbacks, he came back swinging. This year, he could walk away with over eight titles, including two Grand Slams! He also reclaimed the World No. 1 spot after beating Jannik Sinner at the US Open. Alcaraz reached three major finals in a row and ten overall this season. Now, after making it into the final at the Six Kings Slam, he’s reflecting on it all, processing his emotions.

On Thursday, Alcaraz took down Taylor Fritz in his first match at the exhibition. He booked his spot in Saturday’s finale with a 6-4, 6-2 win, unleashing a stunning variety of shots. It was the kind of dazzling play he’s shown all year. The last ten months have been pure confidence and fire from the Spaniard.

When asked about the year he’s had, Carlos Alcaraz couldn’t hide his pride. He said, “I’ve had great moments on and off court. This year has been my best year so far without a doubt. If I had to choose one moment… I don’t know. I’d really difficult to choose one. When I won Roland Garros, that was a great moment for me. When I won Monte Carlo. I came from losing in Miami. I was able to come back mentally and physically and play great tennis in Monte Carlo. I’m gonna choose those moments from this year.”

True to his word, he claimed eight ATP titles, including back-to-back French Open and US Open wins, pushing his Grand Slam tally to six by just 22. He dominated the Masters 1000s in Monte Carlo, Rome, and Cincinnati, proving his versatility on every surface. His Monte Carlo victory stood out as a fierce comeback after the Miami setback, showing his mental steel. For the first time, he reached the quarterfinals in all four majors and reclaimed the ATP World No. 1 spot, finishing the season with an 80%+ win rate.

Even winning his latest title in Japan wasn’t easy. After hurting his ankle in the opening round, doubts swirled about his chances. But the Spaniard pulled through yet again, beating Fritz in straight sets to lift another trophy. While he sat out of the Shanghai Masters to heal his ankle, the comeback to an exihibition left many confused. But Alcaraz cleared that up ahead of his match.

Before taking on Fritz, Carlos Alcaraz drop an injury update

Ahead of his opening match at the Six Kings Slam, speaking to MARCA, he gave an honest update about his ankle. “The ankle has been recovering well, within reason. It was a grade two sprain, and without much rest, it always takes a bit longer to heal. Maybe I’m still playing, not with discomfort, but with a bit of doubt,” he said. Those words carried patience and determination as he added, “Those doubts always take time to go away, but the truth is we’re doing a good job. My ankle is doing well.”

He also made an interesting point about the exhibition itself, explaining that tournaments like the Six Kings Slam don’t wear players down the way the tour does. These matches are shorter, lighter, and far less punishing on the body. With the event running just three days, Carlos Alcaraz admitted the schedule definitely helps ease the load. Of course, a prize pool like this doesn’t hurt, six million dollars for the winner and $1.5 million just for showing up keeps everyone locked in.

Still, the Spaniard isn’t taking any chances. He revealed that he continues to play with precaution. “Yes, I play with a bandage. I just don’t feel completely confident playing tough matches without a bandage,” he said, stressing that his fitness is there but full confidence takes time. It’s a rare mix of maturity and realism from a 22-year-old who’s already seen how quickly momentum can shift in this sport.

Now, with no ranking points at stake, the pressure is off. But the Six Kings title and that big prize money are motivation enough. Just ahead lies a familiar foe: Jannik Sinner. The two are about to face off in their sixth final of the year, and while this one won’t count on the official tour, it promises fireworks all the same. Will Carlos Alcaraz overthrow Sinner again to take the crown?