The tennis world has been rocked once again by Novak Djokovic’s explosive remarks. This time, the target of his comments was Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish prodigy and current crowd favorite. On social media, Djokovic insinuated that Alcaraz’s historic triumphs at Roland Garros were due more to external factors than his own merits, openly accusing the ATP and the umpires of bias.
The Serbian’s exact words were clear and blunt:
“You don’t win Roland Garros with talent alone. A little luck and favoritism always help.”
The post quickly went viral, generating an unprecedented media storm. While some followers supported her opinion, most of the comments pointed out the inappropriateness and inaccuracy of her judgment.
Carlos Alcaraz, just 22 years old, has been considered by many to be the natural heir to the golden era of Spanish tennis. With two consecutive titles at Roland Garros (2023 and 2024), his aggressive style, overwhelming energy, and charisma on and off the court have made him a beloved figure around the world. His achievements, however, have now been called into question by one of the sport’s biggest names.
But what truly surprised the tennis world wasn’t just Djokovic’s statements, but the immediate and forceful response of Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz’s coach and former world number one. In an impromptu press conference after his pupil’s training session in Paris, Ferrero didn’t let himself be drawn into the controversy, and with his characteristic serenity, he dropped a phrase that instantly became iconic:
“Carlos doesn’t win by luck. He wins because he can.”
Nine words were enough to silence any doubts. With that statement, Ferrero not only defended his pupil, but also sent a direct message: hard work, discipline, and talent are above any conspiracy theories.
Reactions from the Tennis World
The reactions were immediate. Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz’s mentor and role model, wrote on social media:
“Success doesn’t come by chance. Carlos has earned it with every point.”
Other tennis players, such as Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, also expressed their support for Alcaraz, highlighting his humility and mental strength. Former Swiss tennis player Roger Federer even posted a photo with the young Spaniard with the message: “From one star to another. Keep shining, Carlos.”
On the other hand, Djokovic’s entourage has attempted to downplay the controversy, claiming that his words were misinterpreted and that he simply wanted to point out how unpredictable the sport can be. However, the damage appears to have been done.
Curiously, Carlos Alcaraz has opted to remain silent. He hasn’t made any statements, posted on social media, and maintained his usual training routine. Sources close to the team indicate that he is completely focused on his upcoming match at Roland Garros and has preferred to “talk on the court.”
This gesture has been applauded by fans and experts, who believe that the best response is precisely to continue winning with humility.
Although Djokovic and Alcaraz have already clashed on the court several times, this tension could usher in a new era of rivalry beyond tennis. While Djokovic has always been a controversial figure, these statements mark one of his most direct criticisms of a fellow player.
The calendar points to a possible rematch between the two in the final rounds of Roland Garros, and now, more than ever, that encounter promises to be much more than a simple match: it will be a duel of pride, generations, and principles.
In the world of sports, words carry as much weight as titles. While Djokovic generates headlines with provocative phrases, Alcaraz and Ferrero respond with class, results, and eloquent silence. Ultimately, it will be the Parisian clay court that will have the last word.
One thing is certain: Roland Garros 2025 is already unforgettable, and it’s not over yet.
