“Let your game be your promotional or marketing tool,” said Michael Jordan once. Even the basketball GOAT and six-time NBA champion knew that for an athlete what ultimately speaks volumes is one’s performance. Especially when it comes to an athlete’s struggles and life beyond the court. In fact, the six-time slam winner Carlos Alcaraz‘s situation acts as the perfect example. Despite the Spaniard recently proving his supremacy in New York against arch rival Jannik Sinner while reclaiming his No.1 spot in the ATP rankings, Alcaraz’s off-court life tends to make headlines, regardless of his on court prowess.

In fact, the gossip mill churned with unsubstantiated rumors following his US Open victory after he was pictured celebrating at a club. Alcaraz’s team even issued a statement addressing one of them. And remember when Alcaraz’s much-awaited Netflix documentary, My Way, released back in April? Apart from the Spaniard’s tennis life, it also threw light on his routine beyond the court. In fact, that aspect was talked-about more on social media, as it painted a somewhat negative picture on Alcaraz’s career. It implied that he was more partyer than hard-working athlete.

Eventually, 14-time Roland Garros king Rafael Nadal had to intervene. He slammed the documentary’s portrayal of Alcaraz. “He doesn’t come across as a tennis player who trains, but as someone who loves to party, who needs that, and who isn’t very professional – and that’s not true. Carlos is a great professional.”

Now the Spaniard himself has addressed this topic, making his stance crystal-clear. In an interview with Spanish outlet El Pais, he was asked whether the constant fingers pointing at his off-court lifestyle bother him. Alcaraz responded [Machine translated from Spanish to English], “No, no, it was personal motivation. Obviously, since the documentary was released, there has been a lot of talk about it, it has given a lot of itself, the truth. It is said that I really like the party… And I like to enjoy! Who doesn’t like to enjoy?” He added, “I think that’s what we work for, what we suffer for, why we spend so much time away from home; and then have our moments and our fun.”

The World No.1 concluded his perspective saying, “Everyone enjoys it in a way and I, personally, yes, like to go out, because I’m 22 years old. Who hasn’t done it at that age? Who hasn’t enjoyed at 22 years old? I like to have a good time with my family and friends, whether partying or not, with other types of quieter plans… It’s about having quality time at home and then being motivated for the tournaments.”

Although he likes to have his fun off the court, it’s clear he knows when it’s time to get back in form and let his racket do the talking. And while he might be basking in the glory of a second US Open triumph, Alcaraz already has his eyes set on the next challenge.

Carlos Alcaraz’s post-US Open road unleashed

The first tennis event that Carlos Alcaraz will appear in after his success in New York is the Laver Cup. It is scheduled to take place next week in San Francisco. Once again, Alcaraz will be seen competing for a Team Europe that’s under some different leadership now. With Bjorn Borg and Thomas Enqvist gone, Yannick Noah and Tim Henman are stepping in to lead the team. Last season, Alcaraz led Team Europe to the title win over Team World. After he teamed up with Casper Ruud to beat Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe’s pair in the doubles, the Spaniard played a deciding role in a winner-takes-all contest in the final.

Though Alcaraz was also set to participate in the Davis Cup Qualifiers 2nd round this week, he has since withdrawn following his US Open triumph. “I feel very bad, but I’m on a very demanding tour, both mentally and physically, with a lot of matches, and I don’t have time to get home and prepare in the best way possible for the Davis Cup,” said Alcaraz to Cadena SER. “I think that would be too selfish, and other players can do better than me.”

Despite the withdrawal, the Spaniard has a packed year ahead. After Alcaraz finishes up in San Francisco, it’s off to Tokyo, where he’ll make his debut at the Japan Open. He’s then set to compete at the Shanghai Masters 1000 event. After his East Asian swing, Alcaraz is headed to the Middle East in mid-October to play at the ‘Six Kings Slam’ exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

He’ll be back in Europe for the Paris Masters, the final Masters 1000 tournament of the season in November, before he concludes his season at the ATP Finals in Turin. But through it all the ultimate challenge remains the Australian Open. “Australia is always the main goal before starting the year,” said Alcaraz. Do you think the 23-year-old will complete his career Grand Slam next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.