Tennis star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova shared her first impression of world number one Carlos Alcaraz during a recent appearance on the “Box” podcast. Having concluded her 2025 season after the US Open, Pavlyuchenkova discussed her year, preseason plans and the possibility of a future coaching career. She admitted that she was initially unsure about Alcaraz, finding his constant smiling pretentious and hard to reconcile with her own intense, dramatic approach to the game. Over time, however, she grew to like the Spanish player.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, is preparing for the upcoming ATP Finals after a surprising second‑round loss to Cameron Norrie at the Paris Masters. In the post‑match press conference he expressed disappointment, acknowledging numerous mistakes and noting that he did not feel well during the match. He praised Norrie for preventing him from regaining momentum and highlighted the challenges of the ATP schedule, saying the long season leaves insufficient time for players to recover between tournaments.
Pavlyuchenkova’s comments and Alcaraz’s recent performance underscore the complexities and pressures of professional tennis. As top players navigate a demanding calendar, they must also manage their mental and physical well‑being. The ATP Finals will give Alcaraz a chance to redeem himself and showcase his skills, while the tennis world watches the competition unfold. With the season drawing to a close, players aim to finish on a high note, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 season.
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