Carlos Alcaraz enters the US Open 2025 in New York with momentum on his side, yet questions remain over whether the Spaniard can overcome his recurring late-season struggles. Known for his explosive tennis and charisma on court, the five-time Grand Slam champion has historically slowed down in the latter part of the year despite dominant starts.
This season, the 22-year-old has already lifted four trophies in his last five outings, including his maiden Cincinnati Masters title. His run has been so dominant that he will arrive in New York brimming with confidence. Yet the memory of his semi-final exit in 2023 and shock second-round defeat in 2024 at the US Open continues to loom large.
Alcaraz’s numbers highlight the pattern. In 2022, his 35-5 record before Wimbledon dropped to 22-8 afterward, even though he captured his first major in New York. The following years told the same story: in 2023 he stood at 47-4 before Wimbledon but dipped to 18-8 later, while 2024 saw him slide from 33-6 early to 21-7 after July. Mental fatigue, as Alcaraz himself admitted, has been a major factor in his dip.
This season, however, looks different. Guided by coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz has deliberately trimmed his schedule post-Wimbledon, entering only Cincinnati before the US Open. Unlike 2023 and 2024, when he competed in Canada and the Olympics respectively, the Spaniard arrives fresher, fitter, and with confidence restored.
The Cincinnati final against Jannik Sinner was cut short due to Sinner’s illness, but the Spaniard insists the win adds belief. “I feel great, I’m playing with a lot of confidence,” Alcaraz said after his triumph. “Last year I didn’t show my best level here in New York. This year I want to change that.”
With Novak Djokovic nearing the twilight of his career and Jannik Sinner proving to be a constant rival, Alcaraz now has the chance to cement his dominance at Flushing Meadows. If he can maintain his form through September, the US Open 2025 could mark the turning point where his late-season blues finally disappear.
