Carlos Alcaraz: My Way.
So Netflix dropped a documentary about Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis prodigy. If you thought tennis documentaries were all slow-mo shots of rackets and dramatic grunts, think again. This one’s got heart, hustle, and enough awkward behind-the-scenes moments to make you feel better about your own attempts at any sport.
Alcaraz isn’t pretending he’s the king of tennis just yet, and that’s what makes the show refreshing. You see him sweat, laugh nervously, and sometimes even lose . He comes off as a normal kid, still living at home who hasn’t quite let stardom change his personality and generally fun nature - even though he is certainly enjoying himself!
The documentary doesn’t just focus on Alcaraz smashing balls—it shows the team behind the scenes. His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, looks like your chill but slightly intense math teacher who actually knows what he’s doing. Alcaraz’s parents make a cameo too—low-key supportive but not the kind to embarrass him in public.
You get plenty of slick tennis action, but the real gems are the moments when Alcaraz is just being… human. Like stressing over a tricky shot or calming himself down like he’s about to perform brain surgery instead of hitting a ball.
Since he’s still on the rise, the documentary doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. It’s more like a teaser trailer for a superstar-in-the-making. So, if you want to binge it expecting a full “Once upon a time” tale, you might be a little disappointed. But if you want to see the hard work and awkward growth moments behind greatness, it’s a slam dunk.
There has been some criticism of Alcaraz and how he was portrayed:
Rafael Nadal: Defending Alcaraz's Professionalism
Rafael Nadal criticized the documentary's portrayal of Alcaraz, stating that it misrepresents his dedication:
“Carlos is a great professional. He’s a person who works very hard to bring his tennis and his physique to the highest level. I think the documentary was approached in the wrong way, because people’s perception is different from what his real life.”
Toni Nadal: Emphasizing the Importance of Sacrifice
Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal's uncle and former coach, commented on Alcaraz's reflections in the documentary about balancing personal life with professional tennis:
“If it overwhelms him, then he should quit tennis. I understand things differently in life... Life is a matter of sacrifice, not just doing what I want. Sometimes it’s worth it for people and sometimes it’s not. If it’s not worth it, it’s better to change jobs.”
Roberto Bautista Agut: Questioning Lifestyle Choices
Roberto Bautista Agut expressed skepticism about Alcaraz's ability to maintain top performance with his current lifestyle:
“I don’t think Carlos will win Grand Slams by going to bed at seven in the morning.”
Carlos Alcaraz: Clarifying His Priorities
In response to the critiques, Alcaraz emphasized his commitment to tennis:
“What really matters is tennis, yes.”
The documentary has sparked a broader conversation about the pressures faced by young athletes and the balance between personal life and professional commitments.
Sacrifice has always been a factor in all elite and professional sports, therefore its refreshing to see and not be embarrassed about making it clear that he wants to do it his way ….and enjoy the ride!
Whether you’re a hardcore tennis fan or just someone who enjoys watching talented people figure life out this Netflix doc delivers. And hey, if it inspires you to pick up a racket and actually use it even better.
Rating: 8/10
