US Open: Carlos Alcaraz: “Being at home is what brings me joy”

“It hasn’t given me time! You’ll see, now!” Carlos Alcaraz exclaimed to reporters just hours after he claimed his second  US Open  title. He had promised a radical change to his appearance if he won but still sports his usual short hair, which remains the most common hairstyle in the world. Perhaps he will dye it  platinum blonde  or choose another color. Regardless, it seems he intends for it to be a temporary change.

Alcaraz is no longer the young man who felt the need to tattoo every Grand Slam he conquered—a record that would require quite a lot of ink. He has matured beyond grappling with the tensions between his love for tennis and his ambition to be the best in history. Now, he seems to have found a  balance , saying it repeatedly: balance, balance, balance. While he converses with a small group of Spanish journalists on the  Arthur Ashe Stadium  track, his brother Álvaro and friends are waiting to take him out for some leisure time.

Finding Balance: Alcaraz’s Formula for Happiness

He talks about balance in his life, on and off the track. What is your formula for happiness?

“Triumphs like this US Open help immensely. What happens on the court is vital for my happiness,” he said. “I also need that balance with what’s outside. I like to enjoy time with my family and friends; this quality time is what truly makes me happy. If I’m jumping from one tournament to another without disconnecting, I can’t perform my best. Now, I feel I’ve found this equilibrium between enjoying life beyond tennis and excelling on the court.”

He has mentioned before that he has learned to deal with uncomfortable situations outside the court. What kind of situations?

“Being in the spotlight has its ups and downs. I’ve always managed well, but over time, I’ve noticed that more and more people recognize me. This can be both good and bad. But I’m learning how to handle this recognition better. In the past, certain interactions would unsettle me, but now I know how to navigate them,” he reflected.

In achieving this balance, his coach,  Juan Carlos Ferrero , has commended his evolving mindset outside of tennis. Is there anything he would never sacrifice for tennis?

“I’ve started focusing more on my diet, supplementation, and rest—it’s all incredibly important. However, I would never sacrifice time with my family. If I feel like I’m not getting enough time with my loved ones back in  Murcia , I’ll do anything to make it work. What truly matters will always come first,” he stated.

Celebrating a Grand Slam Title

It seems he doesn’t have much time to celebrate a Grand Slam victory.

“This year, I’ve learned how to enjoy it,” he admitted. “Sometimes it’s challenging, but now I know how to choose the moments. One of the most complicated aspects of tennis is that once you achieve a title, you must quickly focus on the next tournament. Often, I have just a day or sometimes less to celebrate. However, I’m learning to savor even those brief moments.”

Has your self-examination increased in recent years?

“No, quite the contrary. I’m less demanding of myself now. While I aim to win every tournament, I’ve also learned to appreciate the process and be content even in defeat. If I lose, like I did at Wimbledon, I still find pride in my performance as long as I give it my all.”

How has your approach changed after Wimbledon? How often have you analyzed that final?

“I studied it a lot with my coach. We reviewed various phases of the match, took notes, and identified areas for improvement. We worked rigorously for two weeks, aiming to enhance my performance. If I faced  Sinner  again in the finals here in New York, all I wanted was to put forth my best effort. If I played similarly and won, I would still be satisfied.”

Can you continue providing joy to others? This summer, a wave of fires has impacted Spain. Are you proud to offer such happiness?

“Of course. Although I’m here in the United States, I’ve kept myself informed about the situations back home. These times have been tough. I aim to uplift those suffering through these tragedies, providing an escape, however minimal it may be, from their hardships,” Alcaraz reflected.