Carlos Alcaraz has achieved something that once seemed impossible; generating universal expectation during his first years on the ATP Tour. That natural charisma, the innate ability to connect with the fans, is fresher than ever as he arrives at the Mutua Madrid Open. The two-time champion is back at one of the most special tournaments of his career and he appears ready to build on a dominance that already looks like the stuff of legend. In 2025, the Murcia native will be bidding for his third trophy in four years in the Spanish capital. The clay of Madrid is his own domain and the fans in the Caja Magica will again have an opportunity to witness his magic.
The Murcia native’s authority on clay will be particularly potent this year in the Manolo Santana Stadium. For the first time in his career, Alcaraz will touch down in the Spanish capital as the French Open champion, having obtained the surface’s holy grail. Now with a target on his back, this international superstar, with red-stained socks, is sure to be a dominant force at the tournament, and he will have the added impetus of a crowd who adore him. The Musketeers’ Trophy he won last June earned him a place in the history of Spanish tennis, and the people of Madrid will be anxious to celebrate it with him.
On the verge of his 22nd birthday, Alcaraz now has a wonderful opportunity to etch his name even deeper into the annals of the Mutua Madrid Open, an event whose winners’ circle has historically been reserved for the true greats of the game. Juan Carlos Ferrero’s understudy is aspiring to lift his third singles trophy at the tournament, something only previously achieved by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, the Big Three that defined one of the sport’s golden eras. Carlos, who is no stranger to breaking records, will have the opportunity to join them on May 4.
A special date
The clay of the Caja Magica will always hold special memories for Alcaraz, with so many great moments already behind him. It is impossible to forget the 2021 edition of the event, where he celebrated his 18th birthday with a match against Rafael Nadal on the tournament’s centre court. The moment, celebrated with a cake alongside the Mallorcan and tournament Director Feliciano López in the main stadium, marked the beginning of his meteoric rise on the ATP Tour. One year later, Carlos played his way to the title, leaving both Nadal and Djokovic in his wake, something that nobody had ever done in one event on clay. In 2023, his love affair with the tournament was complete when he defended his throne, something only Rafa had previously done in the history of the competition.
In a sport that demands constant progress, Alcaraz comes into this year’s event in Madrid with a range of power-ups in his armoury. In the fast conditions of the Spanish capital, it will be interesting to observe his new serve, tweaked for the 2025 season to generate more power. Powerful ground strokes are a must for any candidate to the title in the Manolo Santana Stadium, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by this player with a huge capacity to learn. Few are capable of unleashing their forehand with the fury that the Murcia native possesses, making him practically unstoppable when his game comes together. His is the perfect cocktail for success in Madrid.
Madrid: a very special stage
More than anything else, Alcaraz’s participation will be accompanied by a feeling of hope and excitement. Followed by throngs of fans in every practice session, adulated any time he shows his face around the tournament venue, Carlos will be competing at home, a fact Madrid is always happy to remind him of. He has a special bond with a city that will be hoping to cheer him on to another memorable year in the heart of the clay swing.
“To me, Madrid is everything”, the Murcia native said, grateful for the presence of the fans after defending his crown two seasons ago in the Manolo Santana Stadium. “I’ve spent my recent birthdays here, but since I was little I’ve celebrated many more watching the tournament. At a certain age I began to dream of being here and not just playing, but winning and lifting the title”.
The Spaniard is now used to making his dreams come true, through perseverance, hard work and determination, but there is still a long road ahead of him at the Mutua Madrid Open. With an incredible record of 15 wins from 17 matches at his home Masters 1000 though, the Murcia native will be keen to keep entertaining the fans who are used to relishing the biggest champions on tour.
The Caja Magica is opening its doors to a giant. Alcaraz is back and hungrier than ever. Let the fireworks begin!
