US Open Champion Carlos Alcaraz Defends Himself Over Party Animal Criticism: 'Who Doesn’t Like to Enjoy?'

Since the Monte Carlo Masters, Alcaraz has reached the finals of every tournament he has played, including three Majors, winning the US Open and the French Open by beating Jannik Sinner and losing the Wimbledon title to the Italian. During an interview with El Pais, Alcaraz was asked if he is motivated by the criticism after being accused of being a party animal.

No, no, it’s been a personal motivation. Obviously, since the documentary premiered, there’s been a lot of talk about it; it’s really gotten a lot of attention. People say I really like to party… and I like to enjoy myself! Who doesn’t like to enjoy themselves?

Alcaraz has often credited enjoying his time away from tennis to recharge his batteries by spending quality time with his friends and family, for his on-court performances. The 22-year-old said everyone’s way of enjoying themselves is different, and for him, he likes going out.

Everyone enjoys it in their own way, and for me, personally, yes, I like going out, because I’m 22. Who hasn’t done it at that age? Who hasn’t enjoyed it at 22?

Carlos Alcaraz added

The US Open win has helped Alcaraz reach the top of the rankings table for the first time since September 2023. He became World No.1 for the first time after his career’s first Grand Slam win at the 2022 US Open and was dethroned by Novak Djokovic after his US Open win in 2023.

Carlos Alcaraz on Toni Nadal’s praise

Back in June this year, Toni Nadal heaped some praise on Carlos Alcaraz, saying the six-time Grand Slam champion “does everything, and he does everything well“. During that interview with El Pais, Alcaraz was asked about Nadal’s remarks.

It’s my style; I like to play like that. I’ve been the same since I was little. I think I can do a lot of things on the court, a lot of shots, from hitting drop shots to hitting spin shots. Plus, I’m increasingly happy with my physique, because it gives you a lot of confidence.

Alcaraz has surpassed Nadal’s former protege and nephew, Rafael Nadal, by becoming the second youngest man to clinch six Majors. World No.1 also stopped Jannik Sinner from becoming the first man since Roger Federer (2008) to defend the US Open.

Against the four-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz now holds a 10-5 head-to-head record. The US Open was also Alcaraz’s seventh title of the season. With the win, he also clinched two Majors in two consecutive seasons, as last year, he completed the Channel Slam.

After a few days of rest, Alcaraz will shift his focus toward the Asian swing, where last year, he defeated Sinner in the China Open final to clinch his first title on the continent. But before his singles campaign, Alcaraz is expected to feature at the Laver Cup.