Carlos Alcaraz

Tennis Player

Carlos Alcaraz’s Day: Dominating Tennis with Passion and Precision

Step into the dynamic world of Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis sensation and world No. 1 in April 2025, fresh off defending his French Open title and aiming for a Wimbledon repeat. With four Grand Slam titles by age 22, Alcaraz balances intense training, mental preparation, and off-court passions like soccer and family time in Murcia, Spain. From sunrise drills to evening recovery, discover how he combines youthful energy, disciplined focus, and a love for competition to inspire the next generation of athletes while staying grounded with his close-knit family.

Focus on:

Tennis

Early Riser

Nutrition

Published on:

May 6, 2025

Last Updated:

May 6, 2025

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✨ Unique Habits

  • Chess for Mental Prep:
    Unlike many players who use music or meditation before matches, Alcaraz plays chess to enhance strategy and focus, a rare method he credits for improving his on-court anticipation, as noted in interviews. Chess.com even created a bot in his likeness in 2023.

  • Gluten-Free Diet in Tournaments:
    Alcaraz adopts a gluten-free diet during major events like Roland Garros, prioritizing fish over meat and gluten-free carbs (e.g., rice, pasta), a choice seen on X that may reduce inflammation—less common among players.

  • Sneaker Collecting Passion:
    Alcaraz collects sneakers, a hobby that grew during a 2023 injury, highlighted by a custom Nike pair with his grandfather’s motto, adding a unique personal flair to his off-court identity.

⏰ Morning ⏰

Morning: Building Power and Focus

Timeframe: ~6:00–9:00 a.m.

Why It Inspires: Alcaraz’s morning routine is a masterclass in preparation, blending physical training with mental clarity to set the stage for elite performance. His commitment to dynamic warm-ups, on-court drills, and a balanced breakfast inspires to start your day with energy and intention, reflecting his drive to be the best in tennis.

  • Early Wake-Up: Rises at 6:00 AM, starting with a glass of water and a quick stretch in his Murcia home, a habit that energizes him and prepares his body for the day’s demands.
  • Dynamic Warm-Up: Does a 20-minute dynamic warm-up at 6:15 AM, including high knees, lateral lunges, and arm circles, to activate his muscles and prevent injuries, a routine overseen by his physio, Juanjo Moreno.
  • On-Court Drills with Babolat: Trains on the court at 6:45 AM with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, using his Babolat Pure Aero 98 racket to focus on forehand and backhand consistency, hitting 100 balls each side with precision, sharpening his aggressive baseline game.
  • On-Court Drills: Trains on the court at 6:45 AM with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, focusing on forehand and backhand consistency, hitting 100 balls each side with precision, a drill that sharpens his aggressive baseline game.
  • Chess for Mental Prep: Plays a quick chess game at 8:00 AM, a unique habit to enhance focus and strategy, visualizing moves like he does on the court, a practice he credits for his mental sharpness during his 2024 Olympic silver medal run.
  • Gluten-Free Breakfast: Eats at 8:30 AM—a bowl of gluten-free oats with berries, a boiled egg, and fresh orange juice—totaling 600 calories, fueling his body with carbs and protein for sustained energy, a diet overseen by his nutritionist, Albert Ariza.

Key Insights: A focused start at 6:00 AM with a dynamic warm-up, on-court drills, sprint training, mental visualization, and a balanced breakfast sets Alcaraz’s day on a path of power and precision.

📅 Working habits 📅

Midday: Sharpening Skills and Strategy

Timeframe: ~9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Why It Inspires: Alcaraz’s midday routine showcases his dedication to technical mastery and strategic preparation, balancing intense practice with recovery and team collaboration. His focus on improving his serve and analyzing opponents inspires to approach your goals with a mix of hard work and smart planning, a formula for his rise to No. 1.

  • Serve Practice: Works on his serve at 9:00 AM, aiming for 130 mph first serves, hitting 50 serves with his Babolat Pure Aero racket, a skill he’s been refining to add more aces, as seen in his 2025 French Open run.
  • Match Simulation: Plays a practice set at 9:45 AM against a sparring partner, focusing on drop shots and net play, a style inspired by his idol Rafael Nadal, aiming to win 6–3 while testing his endurance under pressure.
  • Video Analysis: Reviews footage at 10:30 AM with Ferrero, analyzing recent matches against rivals like Sinner or Djokovic, identifying patterns to exploit in upcoming tournaments like Wimbledon 2025.
  • Core Workout: Does a 30-minute core session at 11:15 AM, including planks (3 minutes) and Russian twists (50 reps), strengthening his midsection for better balance and power during long rallies, a routine that keeps him injury-free.
  • Light Snack: Eats a mid-morning snack at 11:45 AM—a banana, a handful of almonds, and a protein shake—totaling 400 calories, providing a quick energy boost while supporting muscle recovery.

Key Insights: A strategic midday from 9:00 AM with serve practice, match simulation, video analysis, core training, and a light snack keeps Alcaraz sharp and ready to dominate his opponents.

🍵 Afternoon 🍵

Afternoon: Recovery and Off-Court Passions

Timeframe: ~12:00–5:00 p.m.

Why It Inspires: Alcaraz’s afternoon routine balances physical recovery with personal passions, showing how he recharges while staying connected to his roots. His focus on rest, family, and hobbies like soccer inspires to integrate relaxation and joy into their routines, ensuring long-term performance and happiness.

  • Balanced Lunch: Eats at 12:00 PM—grilled chicken, quinoa, and steamed broccoli—totaling 700 calories, a meal designed by his nutritionist to provide lean protein and complex carbs, supporting his afternoon activities.
  • Physio Session: Works with his physio at 1:00 PM for a 45-minute session, focusing on ankle and knee mobility with massage and stretching, a necessity after his 2023 ankle injury, ensuring he’s ready for clay court demands.
  • Soccer Fun: Plays soccer with friends at 2:00 PM in Murcia, a lifelong passion as a Real Madrid fan, kicking the ball around for an hour, a fun way to stay active while unwinding mentally from tennis pressures.
  • Family Time: Spends time at 3:30 PM with his parents and brothers in Murcia, often playing cards or sharing stories, a grounding ritual that keeps him humble despite his global fame as a tennis star.
  • Restorative Nap: Takes a 30-minute nap at 4:30 PM, a recovery habit he’s followed since his junior days, helping him recharge for evening training while keeping his energy levels high for the season.

Key Insights: A balanced afternoon from 12:00 PM with a nutritious lunch, physio session, soccer with friends, family time, and a restorative nap keeps Alcaraz refreshed and connected to his roots.

🌙 Evening 🌙

Evening: Evening Training and Reflection

Timeframe: ~5:00–10:00 p.m.

Why It Inspires: Alcaraz’s evening routine focuses on refining his game and winding down with intention, blending targeted training with mental reflection and family connection. His commitment to evening fitness, gratitude, and rest inspires to end your day with purpose, ensuring they’re ready for the next challenge.

  • Fitness Training: Trains at 5:00 PM in the gym, focusing on agility with ladder drills (10 sets) and box jumps (15 reps), enhancing his footwork and explosiveness, a key part of his all-court game that won him the 2024 French Open.
  • Cool-Down Stretching: Does a 20-minute cool-down at 6:00 PM, stretching his hamstrings and quads, followed by foam rolling to release tension, a routine that keeps his body flexible for the grueling tennis season.
  • Dinner with Family: Eats dinner at 7:00 PM with his family—baked salmon, sweet potatoes, and a green salad—totaling 600 calories, a meal that supports recovery while enjoying quality time with loved ones.
  • Gratitude Reflection: Reflects at 8:30 PM, writing down three things he’s grateful for, like a good practice day or family support, a habit he’s shared in interviews to stay mentally grounded amidst fame.
  • Wind-Down Routine: Watches a soccer match at 9:00 PM, cheering for Real Madrid, a relaxing activity that lets him unwind while staying connected to his passion for the sport, often texting friends about the game.
  • Sleep Prep: Heads to bed by 9:30 PM, aiming for 8–9 hours of sleep, a non-negotiable for recovery, often listening to calming music to drift off, ensuring he’s rested for another intense day.

Key Insights: A focused evening from 5:00 PM with agility training, cool-down stretching, family dinner, gratitude reflection, soccer viewing, and early sleep ensures Alcaraz ends his day ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

🥗 Health & Nutrition 🥗

Nutrition & Health: Fueling Elite Performance

Timeframe: Throughout the Day

Why It Inspires: Alcaraz’s nutrition and health practices are tailored for peak tennis performance, emphasizing a balanced diet, targeted training, and recovery. His disciplined approach offers a sustainable way to optimize your physical and mental well-being, balancing the demands of a high-intensity sport with long-term health.

  • Balanced Diet: Consumes 3,000 calories across 5 meals—oats, eggs, chicken, salmon, and complex carbs like quinoa and sweet potatoes—a diet designed by his nutritionist to support energy and muscle recovery.
  • Hydration Focus: Drinks 3–4 liters of water daily, often with electrolytes, to stay hydrated during training, a necessity for maintaining performance during long matches, especially on clay courts.
  • Targeted Training: Trains 4–5 hours daily: on-court drills (forehand/backhand consistency), sprints (30 meters in 4.5 seconds), core work (planks, Russian twists), and agility drills (ladder drills, box jumps), focusing on speed, power, and endurance.
  • Recovery Methods: Uses physio sessions, stretching, foam rolling, and naps to recover, a routine that keeps him injury-free after his 2023 ankle scare, ensuring he can compete at the highest level.
  • Mental Resilience: Practices visualization and gratitude to stay mentally sharp, a technique he’s used since his 2022 US Open win, helping him handle the pressure of being world No. 1 at 22.
  • Sleep Priority: Prioritizes 8–9 hours of sleep, crucial for physical recovery and mental focus, a habit that supports his performance across a grueling 10-month tennis season.

Key Insights: A disciplined approach throughout the day with a 3,000-calorie diet, 3–4 liters of water, 4–5 hours of training, recovery methods, mental resilience practices, and 8–9 hours of sleep keeps Alcaraz at peak performance.

✅ Key Takeaways ✅

Investments: Building a Global Brand

  • Nike Partnership: As a Nike ambassador since 2019, wears their gear and shoes, like the Air Zoom Vapor Pro, with a deal reportedly worth $5 million annually, reflecting his marketability as tennis’s next big star.
  • Rolex Ambassador: Became a Rolex ambassador in 2023, often seen wearing a Daytona at events, a partnership that aligns with his status as a young, elite athlete, adding to his off-court presence.
  • Alcaraz Tennis Academy: Launched in 2024 in Murcia, a passion project to train young players, aiming to give back to his community and nurture the next generation of Spanish tennis talent.
  • Charity Work: Supports local charities in Murcia, focusing on youth sports programs, a commitment to use his platform for good, inspired by his family’s values and his own humble beginnings.
  • Focused Growth: Prioritizes endorsements and initiatives that align with his values over widespread investments, ensuring his brand reflects authenticity and purpose as he rises in global fame.


Key Takeaways: Lessons in Passion and Discipline

Why It Inspires: Alcaraz’s day offers actionable lessons in balancing elite performance with personal joy, inspiring to pursue goals with passion and discipline. His emphasis on training, recovery, and staying connected to his roots provides a roadmap for achieving success while remaining grounded.

  • Start with Energy: Morning drills and visualization show the power of preparation, encouraging to begin your day with focus and intensity.
  • Fuel for Success: A balanced diet and hydration highlight the importance of nutrition, inspiring to fuel your bodies for peak performance.
  • Balance Work and Play: Soccer and family time emphasize the value of joy, encouraging to integrate passions into your routines.
  • Prioritize Recovery: Physio, naps, and sleep underscore the importance of rest, a lesson for to optimize performance without burnout.
  • Stay Grounded: Gratitude and family connection keep him humble, inspiring to stay rooted despite success.

Key Insights: Reflections from the day highlight Alcaraz’s ability to balance tennis, joy, and connection through disciplined training, balanced nutrition, recovery, and gratitude, offering lessons for your own journeys.