Carlos Alcaraz

Professional career

Alcaraz played his first professional event in February 2018 at the Spain F5 ITF Futures in Murcia, where he reached the quarterfinals and earned his first ATP points. In April 2019, he made his Challenger debut at the JC Ferrero Challenger in Villena, defeating a 17-year-old Jannik Sinner in the first round.

He went on to win four Challenger titles before turning 18. In February 2020, he made his ATP main-draw debut at the Rio Open via a wild card, beating world No. 41 Albert Ramos Viñolas in a three-hour-37-minute match. At the 2021 Australian Open, he qualified for his first major main draw and defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round, becoming the first player born in 2003 to win a match at a major.

Rivalries

Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have met 17 times on the ATP Tour, with Alcaraz leading 10–7. Their early notable match was the 2022 US Open quarterfinal, which Alcaraz won after saving a match point. In 2024, Alcaraz won all three of their meetings.

In 2025, they met in three consecutive major finals: Alcaraz won the French Open despite Sinner holding three championship points, Sinner won Wimbledon, and Alcaraz won the US Open. They also contested two Masters 1000 finals in 2025, both won by Alcaraz, and the 2025 ATP Finals, won by Sinner. Sinner defeated Alcaraz at the 2026 Monte-Carlo Masters.

Alcaraz leads Alexander Zverev 7–6 in 13 meetings. Their first notable match was the 2022 Madrid Open final, won by Alcaraz. They met in the 2024 French Open final, where Alcaraz came back from two sets to one down to win.

Playing style

Alcaraz is an all-court player who primarily employs an aggressive baseline style. He is known for exceptional court coverage and defensive retrieval, often turning defense into offense. His straight-armed forehand is his most potent shot, capable of flat winners or heavy topspin. He uses a flatter two-handed backhand.

His first serve averages 115–120 mph and can reach 135 mph, but is noted for average placement; his second serve uses topspin for high bounce. He is an elite returner, winning nearly a third of opponents' service games in 2024. Alcaraz has an impressive net game with drop volleys and drive volleys, and his disguised drop shot is considered by Andy Roddick as the best in tennis history. His athleticism, including high footspeed and sliding on defense, has drawn comparisons to Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer.

Off the court

Alcaraz is sponsored by Nike, Babolat, Rolex, Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Itaú, Isdin, ElPozo, and BMW Spain. In June 2025, he became an ambassador for Danone and Evian, and in July 2025 for YoPRO and Oikos. In February 2026, Babolat released a 'Carlitos Junior' racquet and bag line. In March 2026, he became a brand ambassador for Sunreef Yachts and purchased an Ultima 88 catamaran.

In April 2026, he became an ambassador for Infosys, and in May 2026 for Ant International. Forbes estimated him as the highest-paid active tennis player in 2025 for the second consecutive year. He appeared in both seasons of Netflix's Break Point, played Rafael Nadal in The Netflix Slam, and was the subject of the Netflix series Carlos Alcaraz: My Way.

Did You Know?

• Alcaraz started playing tennis at age four at the Real Sociedad Club de Campo de Murcia, where his father was a coach.
• He is Catholic and has received blessings from priests before important tournaments.
• At age 10, he competed in the under-10 World Championship in Croatia, losing in the final.