Carlos Alcaraz isn’t just the youngest World No. 1 or the next Spanish tennis sensation — he’s also known for something else: his infectious smile. Alcaraz himself credits his smile as a key factor behind his success, saying, “Smiling for me is the key to everything.” His charisma hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning praise from tennis legend Boris Becker, who called Alcaraz’s smile “infectious” and compared his charm to few others in the sport’s history.
Building Toward a Historic Three-Peat
Arriving at Indian Wells late on March 3, Alcaraz took time to hit the golf course before his training sessions. Now, the 21-year-old is preparing for a shot at history — aiming to become just the third player to win three consecutive Indian Wells titles, joining Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
During his pre-tournament press conference, Alcaraz acknowledged the pressure but embraced it, saying, “I’m here to take that pressure. I just want to enjoy this tournament — I wait all year to come back here.”
Confidence in His Game and Serve
Despite Indian Wells’ courts playing faster this year, Alcaraz is confident in his adaptability. “I think I play great tennis anyway, even if the courts are faster,” he said. Alcaraz also shared that he’s been working on his serve, calling it an ongoing improvement he feels good about.
Carlos smile is infectious…in the history of the game I don’t remember many players with such charisma! https://t.co/BtHOTROymA
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) March 5, 2025
The Road Ahead
As the No. 2 seed, Alcaraz received a first-round bye and will start his campaign in the Round of 64 on Saturday, March 8. With his game, charisma, and mindset, Alcaraz is poised to chase history while capturing hearts along the way.