Netflix is once again leveraging the power of intimacy and access, this time with Carlos Alcaraz, who opens up his world, including his family and coaches, for this new docuseries.
Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis sensation who burst onto the global stage as the youngest man to reach the world No. 1 ranking, is offering fans an unprecedented look into his life with the upcoming Netflix docuseries, “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way.” The three-part series provides intimate access to the superstar’s world, chronicling his intense 2024 season both on and off the court.
The docuseries aims to reveal not just the formidable athlete but the person behind the public image. This project marks Alcaraz’s third collaboration with Netflix, following his appearance in the now-canceled ensemble series “Break Point” and his participation in the “Netflix Slam” exhibition match against fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in March 2024.
Instead of a career retrospective, common for established athletes, “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way” captures a specific and formative period in the young star’s development. The series leverages Alcaraz’s existing global profile – his status as the youngest No. 1, his multiple Grand Slam titles, and his recognition as one of the world’s most marketable athletes – not to introduce him, but to provide deeper access to a figure who already commands significant international attention.
It’s the same formula we’ve come to expect with singers and sports stars: showcasing the intimate life beyond the public profile.
However, the sincerity is evident: not everything is rosy, and the docuseries doesn’t shy away from certain criticisms from coaches towards Carlos Alcaraz and some of his behaviors.
Alcaraz himself doesn’t shy away from this ambition either: he wants to be nothing less than the best tennis player in history.
And he wants to do it like Frank Sinatra, his way.
A Season of Highs and Lows: Charting Alcaraz’s 2024
Filming for “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way” spanned the entire 2024 season, beginning during the Netflix Slam exhibition match on March 3, 2024, and concluding in December of that year. The production team followed Alcaraz globally, capturing footage at major tournaments, including his title defense at Indian Wells, his triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, his participation in the Paris Olympic Games, the Laver Cup, the Davis Cup, and the year-end ATP Finals.
Absolute peaks included Alcaraz achieving the rare and prestigious “Channel Slam” – winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon consecutively. This feat placed him in the elite company of Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic as only the sixth man in the Open Era to accomplish it. Furthermore, his Roland Garros victory made him the youngest man to capture Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces (hard, clay, and grass). He also successfully defended his Indian Wells title early in the season and claimed the ATP 500 title in Beijing later in the year, notably defeating rival Jannik Sinner in the final.
These historic triumphs, particularly the Channel Slam, serve as a powerful centerpiece for the on-court narrative in the docuseries, showcasing Alcaraz operating at the height of his powers and cementing his place in tennis history during that specific year.
However, the season was not without significant challenges and disappointments, which the series promises to explore. A major emotional low point was the Paris Olympic Games singles final, where Alcaraz, playing on the familiar clay courts of Roland Garros, fell short against Novak Djokovic, settling for the silver medal. This was followed by a surprising second-round exit at the US Open, where he was champion in 2022. Alcaraz himself acknowledged struggling mentally during periods of the season, particularly after the intense summer stretch. The series also captures moments like his withdrawal from the Monte Carlo and Barcelona tournaments due to an arm injury.
More Than a Champion: The “My Way” Philosophy
Beyond the baseline battles, “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way” delves into the young star’s personal life, aiming to fulfill Alcaraz’s own promise that “People will be able to see everything that isn’t seen on a tennis court.” A central theme, explicitly stated in the series’ tagline – “He wants to be a champion. He also wants to enjoy being 21 years old” – is Alcaraz’s navigation of the intense demands of elite sport while still embracing his youth.
The series grants access to his life away from the tour, including time spent in his hometown of El Palmar, Murcia, with his close-knit family and friends. Viewers will see glimpses of his daily routines, training sessions, and interactions with his team. The influence of his family is highlighted, particularly the supportive dynamic with his parents, who are portrayed as the antithesis of overbearing “tennis parents.” His father, Carlos Sr., consciously separated his role as a parent from any coaching input, a factor Alcaraz credits as highly helpful. The documentary shows Alcaraz displaying his trophies in the home he still shares with his parents, underscoring the importance of these connections.
The crucial relationship with his long-time coach, former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, is also explored. Alcaraz speaks highly of Ferrero, emphasizing the lessons learned about being a good person off the court and how that impacts performance on it. Ferrero himself provides commentary within the series.
This leads directly to the significance of the title, “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way.” It appears to be more than just a catchy phrase; it reflects a core philosophy that Alcaraz is developing.
Behind the Lens: Production and Structure
“Carlos Alcaraz: My Way” is a Spanish production, brought to the screen by Madrid-based Morena Films. With over 100 projects and numerous Goya Awards to their name, Morena Films has a strong track record in Spanish cinema and is expanding its footprint in sports documentaries, also producing the Netflix series on Spain’s LaLiga.
The series is directed by Jorge Laplace, whose credits include other sports-related projects like “LaLiga: All Access.” Laplace also co-wrote the series with Edu Salan. Juan Gordon and Álex Martínez Roig serve as producers.
Alcaraz and Netflix: A Growing Partnership in Sport
Following the success of flagship series like “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” which significantly boosted F1’s popularity, Netflix has heavily invested in similar behind-the-scenes documentaries across various sports, including golf (“Full Swing”), American football (“Quarterback”), cycling (“Tour de France: Unchained”), and tennis (“Break Point”).
While “Break Point” offered a broader look at the ATP and WTA tours, it was canceled after two seasons, perhaps indicating a shift in strategy. Focusing intensely on individual, highly charismatic superstars like Alcaraz – and soon, Rafael Nadal, who also has a Netflix docuseries in the works – appears to be a refinement of the “Drive to Survive” model for tennis. This approach leverages established star power and allows for deeper, more personal narratives, potentially resonating more strongly with audiences than the ensemble format of “Break Point.”
Alcaraz’s journey with Netflix highlights this deepening relationship. From being featured in “Break Point” covering his 2022 US Open win and his rise to No. 1, to headlining the “Netflix Slam” exhibition where filming for “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way” began, he has become a key sports asset for the streaming giant.
Our Take
It’s a formula that doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but one that allows us to get to know this global tennis phenomenon, Carlos Alcaraz. It doesn’t shy away from criticisms from his coaches regarding his trips to Ibiza or the issues he faced with lack of concentration or problems stemming from injury, such as when he couldn’t execute his forehand due to physical issues.
Once again, Netflix demonstrates its international reach to offer us what no one else can: exclusive and intimate access to a world-class sports star.
Enjoy watching.
