At just 21, Carlos Alcaraz has already made a huge mark with four Grand Slams and 18 tour titles. He burst onto the scene by winning the 2022 US Open at 19, then claimed Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024, and his first clay major at the 2024 French Open. Quickly, he became tennis’s new sensation. Despite setbacks like injuries and losses last year, Alcaraz keeps rising to the occasion. Now, after winning a second Masters title in Rome before Roland Garros, how does the champion feel about heading into the major?

On Sunday, Carlos defied a hamstring and groin injury that had him in a leg brace for most of the Italian Open. He beat World No.1 Jannik Sinner on his home soil in Rome, snapping Sinner’s 26-match winning streak to claim his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title. He saved two set points in a thrilling opener and rode that momentum to a 7-6(5), 6-1 victory in just one hour and 44 minutes.

Before the tournament, Alcaraz had a tough time. He withdrew from the Madrid Open due to the injury he sustained at the Barcelona Open final against Holger Rune. That not only ruled him out of Madrid but also cost him the Barcelona final. Still, he had already won two titles earlier this year in Rotterdam and Monte Carlo, proving his form. Asked if he feels more confident going into Paris, he was honest: “Yes, I can be better. Going to Roland Garros and this year, winning two Masters, before facing a grand slam,” he told Tennis Channel post-match.

But there’s a catch. “I’m going to say, for me, it’s not about having a lot of matches or a lot of practice, it’s all about if I’m feeling fresh mentally.” Mental readiness has been a big focus for Carlos this season. His Netflix docuseries ‘My Way’ shows how he overcame fatigue and pressure that held him back before big tournaments like Wimbledon and the French Open.

Alcaraz was on fire in 2022, winning five titles, and in 2023, with six titles, including two Grand Slams. But 2024 was hard. He only won four titles and faced many setbacks, raising concerns among fans and critics. The pressure hit hard at the Paris Olympics, where he lost to Novak Djokovic and broke down in tears during the on-court interview. Yet he bounced back stronger, learning valuable lessons.

“So, right now, I’m just trying to enjoy every match, trying to enjoy every moment, trying to make the most of the time everywhere that I’m going,” he said. His docuseries also shows how he balances personal and professional life. For instance, he still sleeps on a twin bed at his parents’ house and loves partying with friends in Ibiza or going to F1 races to beat burnout. Coaches warned him about the risks of jetting off before major titles, but he was cramped and overwhelmed. So, he did what he thought he needed, only to come back winning both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Could it work again?

This year, he’s already won three titles before returning to the French Open as the reigning champion. He says, “I have a lot of confidence, but obviously, when I step on the court, I think I really show really good tennis. But the most important thing for me is that I’m feeling great mentally.”

He keeps emphasizing his philosophy of being “happy” and “enjoying” the little things. Not letting tennis define his whole personality. Which raises the big question: what does the 21-year-old hope to achieve in the sport?

Carlos reveals something bigger than success

Alcaraz has already conquered tennis with four Grand Slam titles, a stint as world No.1, and worldwide fame. But he’s not obsessed with rankings. “I was number one a few years ago, and I was happy. Now I’m number three, and I’m just as happy-enjoying the journey, the sport, and life,” he told GQ Espana. This laid-back mindset shines in his new Netflix docuseries My Way, which explores the contrast between his relaxed approach and the strict sacrifices his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero believes are needed at the top level.

Still, Alcaraz isn’t shy about his goals. “I’ve always said I’d like to be the greatest in history,” he said, “But that’s a big statement, not an obsession.” Already, he’s in elite company: since 1973, only three players have a better winning percentage against ATP Top 10 opponents.

He’s one of just four players- alongside Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal-to reach finals from over 25% of Masters 1000 events entered. He’s also the second-youngest to reach three clay Masters finals, behind only Nadal, and tied with Stefan Edberg for second most wins in a player’s first 100 Masters matches.

Despite his superstar status, Alcaraz keeps it real by living at home and staying close to family and friends. “Part of the key to success is figuring out what works for you, even if it’s different from everyone else,” he says. Another key? Having fun. “Pressure keeps you alive and means you’re fighting for something important.” For Carlos, that means chasing a legacy alongside the Big Three while enjoying life on his own terms.

With the French Open starting May 25, Alcaraz enters as defending champion and World No.2, already boasting three titles this year. His recent Italian Open win puts him on the brink of joining Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as the only men to win Monte Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros. Can he keep his cool and win back-to-back titles in Paris? Share your thoughts in the comments below!