How to Build a Winning Record Against Carlos Alcaraz by One of the Few Who Did It – Twice!

As Carlos Alcaraz heads into Wimbledon 2025 with a strong grip on the world’s No. 1 ranking and as the overwhelming favorite to defend his title, there’s one man who has defied the odds and beaten the young Spaniard not once, but twice. That man is David Goffin, the Belgian veteran whose career has been a testament to resilience and adaptability.

The Early Years: The Rise of Alcaraz and a Surprising Loss for Goffin

When David Goffin first faced Carlos Alcaraz, the world had yet to fully recognize the Spaniard’s potential. The year was 2021, and the pandemic had caused a strange silence across the sport. The match took place just before the Australian Open in Melbourne, where Alcaraz had yet to make his breakthrough on the ATP tour.

Reflecting on that first encounter, Goffin admits he had no idea what to expect from the young Spaniard. “I didn’t know him at the time, but I knew he was good and he had amazing potential,” Goffin recalls. “The Spanish players came out to watch him, and I was thinking, ‘What’s happening here? Everyone wants to see him.'”

Despite the lack of crowd energy, Alcaraz made a statement, delivering a straight-set victory that left Goffin questioning whether the young Spaniard had simply experienced a “lucky day” or whether he was destined for greatness. “He went on to kill me in straight sets,” says Goffin. “I remember thinking he had just had the best day of his life, or he will be a very special player in the future. I guess we now know what happened next for him.”

A Surprising Turn of Events: Goffin’s Victories Over Alcaraz

Fast forward to 2022, and Goffin found himself facing Alcaraz once again. The dynamic had completely shifted. Alcaraz had already won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open, and the tennis world was buzzing with excitement over his meteoric rise. But Goffin had something to prove.

In the Astana Open that year, Goffin defied expectations, beating Alcaraz in straight sets. The Belgian veteran, now more experienced, was fully aware of the challenges Alcaraz presented, but he also knew how to exploit the Spaniard’s occasional lapses. “The other two times I played against him may have been at the right moment for me,” Goffin admits.

That right moment came in Miami in 2023, when Goffin claimed one of the most stunning wins of his career, defeating the reigning four-time Grand Slam champion in a thrilling contest. It was a match where Alcaraz, still adjusting to the pressure of being a top contender, showed signs of vulnerability. “It was his first match of the tournament and he was struggling a little with his confidence,” Goffin explains. “But I also had to play great tennis to beat him.”

The Secret to Beating Alcaraz: The Right Moment and Great Tennis

What made these victories so significant for Goffin? Was it just about timing? Or was there something deeper at play? Goffin suggests that while his victories over Alcaraz may have come at opportune moments, they still required exceptional tennis. “I had to play great tennis,” he stresses. “But sometimes it’s about being at the right moment.”

For Goffin, those moments were crucial. In his second match against Alcaraz, the Spaniard had just won his first Grand Slam at the US Open, and he was perhaps mentally and physically drained. In Miami, Goffin’s resilience and tactical play enabled him to exploit Alcaraz’s occasional struggles with confidence.

But Goffin knows that Alcaraz’s trajectory is far from over. “He has everything,” Goffin says of the young Spaniard. “He has speed, great hands when he comes to the net, and, of course, his groundstrokes are amazing. Especially his forehand. He is still young and has a great career ahead of him.”

Alcaraz’s Future and the Road Ahead

Despite Goffin’s success against him, it’s clear that Alcaraz is not the same player he was in those early encounters. Heading into Wimbledon 2025, he has proven himself to be one of the most complete players in the world, with a level of maturity and confidence that is rare for someone so young.

Still, Goffin’s wins over Alcaraz show that even the best players can have off days, and if the right strategy is employed at the right moment, victories are possible. Alcaraz may be hungry for revenge, and it’s likely that he will seek another opportunity to face Goffin and ensure that his legacy remains untarnished.

What We Can Learn From Goffin’s Record Against Alcaraz

Goffin’s ability to build a winning record against a player of Alcaraz’s caliber is a testament to the importance of strategy, timing, and mental fortitude in tennis. While Alcaraz’s raw talent is undeniable, Goffin’s victories serve as a reminder that no player is unbeatable, and even the most formidable opponents can be conquered when the stars align.

As Goffin continues his career, he will always be able to look back at his matches against Alcaraz with pride, knowing that he was one of the few to beat him at the height of his career.

Conclusion: Will Goffin’s Magic Formula Be Enough to Defeat Alcaraz Again?

Carlos Alcaraz may be the favorite going into Wimbledon, but David Goffin’s victories over him show that the Spanish superstar is not invincible. Whether Goffin’s “magic formula” will work again remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Alcaraz will be watching Goffin closely, eager to ensure that his remarkable record continues.

In the world of tennis, the story of Goffin vs. Alcaraz is one of resilience, strategy, and opportunity. It serves as a reminder that even the greatest players can have vulnerabilities, and with the right mindset, anything is possible.