Carlos Alcaraz, the electrifying Spanish tennis prodigy, has redefined what it means to prepare for a Grand Slam title. At just 21, the four-time major champion has revealed an unconventional strategy behind his 2023 Wimbledon triumph and its successful defense in 2024: letting loose with a party-fueled getaway to Ibiza. In a revealing Netflix documentary, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, the world No. 3 shared how he defied his team’s advice, opting for nights of revelry on the Mediterranean island before conquering the grass courts of the All England Club. “I basically went there to reventar,” Alcaraz admitted with a grin, before adding, “I’m not sure if that’s the best way to put it, but I went there to go out.” His candid confession, paired with his meteoric rise, has sparked intrigue and debate as he competes as the second seed at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open.
Alcaraz’s journey to his first Wimbledon title in 2023 was anything but traditional. After a grueling loss to Novak Djokovic in the 2023 French Open semifinals, where nerves and cramps derailed his performance, Alcaraz felt the weight of expectations as the world No. 1. Seeking a mental reset, he joined friends for a spontaneous trip to Ibiza, a destination synonymous with vibrant nightlife. “I had a friend who had a few days off, going to Ibiza with other friends,” he recounted. “I ended up going, and they know what I’m going there to do. In Ibiza, I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty much all about partying and going out.” Despite warnings from his agent, Albert Molina, who cautioned, “It might not be the best idea to go to Ibiza for three or four days on vacation when he had Queen’s the following week and then Wimbledon,” Alcaraz followed his instincts, prioritizing enjoyment over rigid discipline.
The decision raised eyebrows within his camp. His fitness coach, Juanjo Moreno, later called the move “selfish,” while coach Juan Carlos Ferrero questioned whether Alcaraz possessed the relentless dedication of legends like Djokovic or Rafael Nadal. “He has a different way of understanding work and sacrifice,” Ferrero observed, noting the contrast with Djokovic’s meticulous approach. Yet, Alcaraz’s gamble paid off spectacularly. Returning from Ibiza, he clinched the Queen’s Club Championships, his first grass-court title, and stormed to Wimbledon, defeating Djokovic in an epic five-set final, 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, to claim his second major at age 20. “It was really good for me ‘cause if I would have lost that set, probably I couldn’t lift the trophy,” he said, crediting his second-set tiebreak resilience for shifting the match’s momentum.
In 2024, Alcaraz doubled down on his unorthodox strategy, revisiting Ibiza before defending his Wimbledon crown with a dominant 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) victory over Djokovic. The straight-sets rout, a stark contrast to the previous year’s near-five-hour marathon, showcased his growing mastery on grass and silenced doubters. “It is a dream for me, winning this trophy,” he declared after the 2024 final, emphasizing the emotional weight of fulfilling a childhood ambition. His Ibiza escapades, far from derailing his focus, seemed to fuel his fearless, dynamic style, blending explosive forehands, deft drop shots, and relentless athleticism.
Alcaraz’s approach reflects his evolving identity as a young star asserting his independence. “They always want to protect me, but I’m getting older, I’m starting to make my own decisions, and that’s what I want,” he asserted, acknowledging his balance of discipline and indulgence. “I don’t take care of myself as much, I spend a lot of days enjoying life. Maybe more than I should.” This candid admission underscores his relatability, endearing him to fans who see a young man embracing both the grind of professional tennis and the joys of youth. Social media buzzed with reactions, with one X post marveling, “Alcaraz partying in Ibiza and still winning Wimbledon? Iconic.”
As Alcaraz competes in Madrid, where he’s a two-time champion, his story challenges conventional wisdom about athletic preparation. His ability to thrive under pressure, even after unconventional choices, has drawn praise from peers. “I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest,” Djokovic said after the 2023 final, lauding Alcaraz’s adaptability. With four Grand Slam titles—2022 US Open, 2023 Wimbledon, 2024 French Open, and 2024 Wimbledon—Alcaraz joins an elite group, becoming the second man after Roger Federer to win his first four major finals. His Madrid campaign, following a shaky clay season marred by a forearm injury, offers a chance to reclaim his dominance on home soil.
Alcaraz’s Ibiza revelation is more than a quirky anecdote; it’s a testament to his belief in balancing intensity with freedom. As he navigates the expectations of being tennis’s heir apparent, his unapologetic embrace of life off the court sets him apart. Whether he’s chasing titles or dancing under Ibiza’s neon lights, Alcaraz is carving his own path, proving that sometimes, the road to greatness includes a detour through a party.