Carlos Alcaraz, one of tennis’ brightest stars, recently shared his thoughts on the role instinct plays in his game, providing insight into the complex decision-making process during critical moments. He admitted, “In decisive moments, I follow my instinct. Which, I think, is not a good thing… In really close moments, I do what I feel. I think most of the time it’s not too good, because you have to follow a strategy.”
The 19-year-old’s candid acknowledgment offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of his approach on the court. Instinct, a natural reaction cultivated through countless hours of training and play, often leads athletes to make split-second decisions. For Alcaraz, however, this reliance on instinct sometimes conflicts with the need for calculated strategy in pivotal situations.
While instinct can ignite creative plays and bold moves, the young Spanish player suggests that strategy remains paramount. Tennis, after all, is a sport of precision and tactical planning, where anticipating an opponent’s moves and calculating one’s shots can often be more effective than relying purely on feelings.
Alcaraz’s reflections highlight the ongoing learning journey of a player who has already achieved so much, yet remains eager to evolve. Striking the right balance between trusting one’s gut and following a well-thought-out strategy is a challenge many athletes face, and Alcaraz’s awareness of this dynamic sets the stage for further growth in his career.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
LWWWWWWWWW At the moment ranked no.3, Alcaraz played his last match on the 21st of March when he capitulated to world no.54 David Goffin 5-7 6-4 6-3 in the 2nd round in Miami (draw).
This season Alcaraz achieved a composed 15-4 win-loss record. This year, Carlos won 1 title in Rotterdam.
