Carlitos Alcaraz keeps his plans close to the chest, but a victory at Roland Garros on June 5 is clearly on his mind. He speaks with a quiet confidence, saying that the aim is to win. His Paris path remains cautious, especially when facing Novak Djokovic who continues to be labeled the world’s best. Alcaraz sits at number six, with five players ahead, which means there is substantial work ahead to claim the top spot.
Right now the gap stands at 1,487 points to Djokovic. Yet Alcaraz is already second in the year’s rankings, just 70 points behind Rafael Nadal. The Serbian lead is influenced by Roland Garros and Wimbledon, where Djokovic collected 4,000 points with two titles, marking a turning point after a long stretch of dominance.
Here is this week’s snapshot of the World’s Best in the ATP rankings:
1 Djokovic 2 Medvedev 3 Zverev 4 Nadal 5 Tsitsipas 6 Alcaraz 7 Rublev 8 Berrettini 9 Auger Aliassime 10 Ruud @PepperstoneFX ATP Ranking
– Spanish ATP Tour
It is clear that Alcaraz has time on his side and is not far from a major breakthrough. With just a couple of Grand Slams on the horizon, the field narrows as top contenders are lost to the draw. Medvedev and Zverev are among those most likely to challenge him for the number one spot if form holds steady.
Alcaraz’s Madrid triumph and the road ahead
The focus remains on Roland Garros which starts on May 22, with a temporary stop in Rome this week. Since the season began, the Spaniard has posted 28 wins and 4 titles, with only 2 losses. Despite a minor setback including a sore right ankle and a blister from a fall against Nadal, his performance remained solid through the final against Zverev. The episode did not derail his rhythm.
Recovery and rest are part of the plan. Time with his family in El Palmar and a visit to Villena for guidance with his camp are all part of the strategy. The messages from Ferrero underline the confidence: Carlos climbs the stairs with speed, remains highly motivated, and shows exemplary discipline in training and competition.
Fans enjoyed a bright morning post from Madrid as the player shared a moment online with supporters and partners. The scene reflected a rising star in a city known for its supportive atmosphere for the sport.
From 120 to 6: a meteoric rise
Since Ferrero began guiding the Murcian, the trajectory has been remarkable. Alcaraz has ascended from 120 to sixth in the world in a single season, a leap that has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike. His ascent has been marked by a combination of relentless physical preparation and tactical clarity that few players at his age can match.
“Carlos climbs the stairs faster and faster, and he remains in superb shape with an exemplary attitude”
Juan Carlos Ferrero, who serves as Alcaraz’s technical director, has consistently highlighted the player’s rapid improvement and disciplined approach. The coach notes the ability to absorb pressure and perform in big moments, a trait that bodes well for the grand slam calendar ahead.
In terms of titles, Alcaraz has claimed finals victories across several key events this season, including wins in Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Barcelona, and Madrid. He has not dropped a set in those decisive matches, underscoring a level of certainty in his game. The young Spaniard has also matched the record of two Masters 1000 titles achieved by esteemed peers, a historic parallel that places him in the company of Sergi Bruguera, Alex Corretja, and Carlos Moya at similar career stages.
Comparisons with the Big Three
The rise of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic paralleled the early years of a young Roger Federer. The narrative echoes the ascent of a generation that would come to shape the sport. Nadal began his ascent with a strong showing in Sopot in 2004, moving from a modest position to finish 2005 near the top of the rankings. Djokovic had his breakthrough after earning a first title in Amersfoort in 2005, climbing rapidly through the standings. Federer would later redefine what was possible, capturing his first title in Milan in 2001 and climbing to the upper echelons of the sport by the early 2000s. These benchmarks illustrate how a single player can disrupt the sport’s order and set a new standard for excellence.
The numbers behind the growth speak loudly. Each milestone in the early careers of these champions reflects a mix of natural talent and relentless work. They demonstrate how a rising star, when paired with strong coaching and the right opportunities, can reach the upper ranks of the sport sooner than many expect. The comparison underscores the high bar set by the sport’s all-time greats and the potential for a new generation to push beyond conventional expectations.