Venus and Serena Williams’ childhood coach Rick Macci has no patience for the criticism being leveled at Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard looked completely untouchable just two months ago, as he completed the Career Grand Slam by triumphing at the Australian Open and followed that up by hoisting the trophy at the Qatar Open.
However, unexpected losses to Daniil Medvedev and Sebastian Korda at the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open, respectively, combined with Jannik Sinner’s dominance during the Sunshine Double, have fueled a narrative about Alcaraz that Macci does not appreciate.
Rick Macci Defends Carlos Alcaraz’s Competitive Spirit
With Carlos Alcaraz facing accusations of growing “bored” after all his success, Rick Macci pushed back strongly on X by dismissing the “inexperienced overreaction.” The veteran coach did not mince words regarding the lack of perspective from the tennis public while firmly defending the world No. 1’s competitive spirit.
“When you lose and you are heading toward rare air everybody has an opinion like Carlos is bored. BORED? That comment alone for an athlete means you not a competitor and do not care. That is so far off and just an inexperienced over reaction to losing. Greatness loses. Both Meddy and Sebby deserved to win. They rolled dice did not think twice,” Macci posted.
Macci also pointed out that Alcaraz is frequently targeted whenever he shows even the slightest vulnerability, whether it’s for playing exhibition matches, aspects of his personal relationships, or now claims of complacency. He stressed that the 22-year-old and his team have found the right balance between life on and off the court, which will help Alcaraz reach his full potential.
“When the Magician wins everybody goes over the moon with his future. When he loses most with limited knowledge of greatness and the future throw him under a Spanish bus. Exhibitions girls he is bored on and on,” he wrote further. “Carlos knows the way and so does his team. In life if you have balance you earn more allowance. He understands nutrition practice friends and rest and that why I feel when it is all said and done he will be the best.”
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz Blames Loss of Composure for Regretful Mid-Match Outburst
Meanwhile, Alcaraz appears to be paying no mind to his critics as he focuses on his first clay-court tournament of the season. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has kicked off his title defense at the Monte-Carlo Masters by claiming a 6-1, 6-3 win over Sebastián Báez.
As his battle with Jannik Sinner for the world No. 1 ranking heats up, Carlos Alcaraz has made peace with likely losing the top spot to his archrival. He recently acknowledged how “difficult” it will be for him to defend all his points during the European clay swing.
