Tennis players’ biggest challenges on tour extend beyond their on-court opponents; online hate and trolling often add to the burden. World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz acknowledged that such abuse can at times make him question his potential. However, he also revealed what helps him deal with those obstacles.
Carlos Alcaraz Opens Up on Dealing With Online Abuse
Alcaraz is firmly established among the tour’s elites, with his rapidly expanding list of achievements underscoring his dominance. At just 22, he has already captured an impressive seven Grand Slam titles, becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam. In addition, he boasts 26 tour titles and has already added two trophies to his tally this season.
However, immense success and fame often bring the added challenge of dealing with relentless criticism, something most players on tour are forced to endure. Despite achieving so much, such negativity can still make them question their own potential, something that Alcaraz has also experienced. The Spaniard made this candid admission during an interview with the prominent Spanish daily Diario AS.
“Perhaps I spend more time on social media than I should, and things affect me. Everyone is human, and certain comments make you doubt what you’re capable of; certain defeats make you wonder if you’re good enough,” he said.
But Alcaraz added that having the right people around him, especially his family and his team, helps him overcome that.
“That’s where you need to have the right people around you, and luckily I have my family and a wonderful team,” he added.
Alcaraz has enjoyed a solid run this season, though it has not quite matched his exceptionally high standards. The Spaniard began the year on a strong note, clinching his maiden Australian Open title before following it up with a triumph at the Qatar Open. However, he has since struggled to sustain that winning momentum.
He reached the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters, where he fell to Daniil Medvedev, before enduring a surprising third-round exit against Sebastian Korda at the Miami Open.
The Spaniard, however, showed signs of resurgence at the Monte-Carlo Masters, battling his way to the final. Yet, overcoming arch-rival Jannik Sinner proved a step too far, with the Italian sealing a 7-6(5), 6-3 victory.
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Having failed to add to his title tally, Carlos Alcaraz has also slipped to world No. 2, with Jannik Sinner surging ahead after completing a remarkable hat-trick of Masters 1000 titles at the Indian Wells Masters, Miami Open, and Monte-Carlo Masters.
The Spaniard is still pushing for a comeback and has started well at the Barcelona Open, reaching the third round.
