Carlos Alcaraz: The formula for success for the new king has genetics and work

Genetics and work. This is the formula for success and for Carlos Alcaraz it was his roadmap to become the champion of the United States Open, his first Grand Slam title, and also to be number 1 in the world at 19, becoming the youngest in history to do it. But that will not be his only record because it happened in an unprecedented circumstance in professionalism: two rookies in the Flushing Meadows final, who were never the number 1, competed face to face to reach both goals.

Over the years there have been players who technically had everything and more to become one of the great figures in tennis. The difference Alcaraz makes has something to do with that genetic problem. That it is not just the natural ability with which he soon learned to hit the ball in a frantic way and to find that varied, energetic, risky, restless game. The most precious value you have is what you have inside your head: your personality and your character. The most difficult thing for those who want to become a professional tennis player and have aspirations is to understand how to mentally deal with the different situations that arise; how to emotionally solve frustrations, challenges and fears to grow, win a game, not lose, play the game that gives you the chance to become someone. Alcaraz has it all.

It came from the hand of Juan Carlos Ferrero, his great builder and engineer, who shaped his game but who had the huge advantage of not having to spend a lot of time making Alcaraz understand that you have to train with enthusiasm and have an attitude. He figured out how to deal with an adverse moment. There is nothing more beautiful for a coach than how quickly explained can translate into action and good results. Spaniard Victor Küppers states that a person’s value is “C + H x A” (knowledge plus skill for attitude) but that the most important thing in the formula is that A multiplies. This is the differential and it happens with Alcaraz. In the midst of the battle, he is seen walking up to dry himself with the towel and interacting with his coach, but that’s “holy word” what Ferrero says. He receives it with humility, with intensity and has never been seen to take it out on him or have a bad answer. He doesn’t even feel the need to express his frustration. The great value of him is to understand all this with a few hours of flight and he seems to be one of the most experienced pilots. He knows that the energies in a match must be focused on winning. He does not expect that everything is fine for him and that the opponent gives him his contribution: Alcaraz is willing to give the battle that must be given because he understands that he enters the field to win, to give the best of himself. In the last game at Flushing Meadows he served in the fourth set at 5-3 to become champion after missing a very easy shot in which he relaxed. On the next serve, with an ace, he left the bad time and frustration minimized. At the next point he failed. But he solved it with another great serve. After two big mistakes he came out with successes. And for that to happen you need to think right and control your emotions. Unlike punches, which cannot be practiced during the week.

He is the new number 1 for virtue, genetics, work and team. Many still call it “Carlitos”.