NEW YORK — In the high-stakes crucible of professional tennis, where mental fortitude is as critical as physical prowess, a simple, self-penned note became the catalyst for a champion’s coronation. Before embarking on his triumphant 2023 US Open campaign, a then-20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz wrote himself a powerful, five-word mantra: “go for it, don’t be afraid.” This wasn't a coach's advice or a sponsor's slogan; it was a personal promise, a declaration of intent that would guide him through two grueling weeks at Flushing Meadows and ultimately inspire him to clinch his second Grand Slam title.
The revelation came after a hard-fought final against the formidable Novak Djokovic, a match already being hailed as an instant classic. In his post-match press conference, a beaming but exhausted Alcaraz shared the secret he had carried with him throughout the tournament. He explained that the note was a conscious effort to combat the immense pressure and expectations placed upon his young shoulders. “I told myself that I have to enjoy the moment,” he said, “and not think about the pressure, just to go for it.”
The Weight of Expectation
Entering the 2023 US Open, the tennis world was watching Carlos Alcaraz intently. After a stunning, era-announcing victory at the 2022 US Open and a subsequent ascension to World No. 1, his 2023 season had been a masterclass in consistency and brilliance, including a dramatic Wimbledon final win against Djokovic. However, the burden of defending a maiden Slam title is historically immense. The narrative was set: could the young Spaniard handle the pressure, or would the moment prove too large?
Alcaraz, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years, recognized this psychological battle before he even set foot on the blue hard courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium. He knew his biggest opponent might not be across the net, but the voice of doubt in his own mind. The self-written note was his weapon against it—a tangible reminder to play the fearless, explosive, and joyful brand of tennis that had brought him to the pinnacle of the sport.
Living the Mantra on Court
Throughout the tournament, Alcaraz’s commitment to his motto was visibly evident. He played with a characteristic audacity that left spectators and opponents alike in awe. This was not a player cautiously protecting a lead; this was a champion relentlessly seizing the moment. His philosophy manifested in several key ways:
- Fearless Shot-Making: He consistently went for broke on his groundstrokes, especially his devastating forehand, often hitting winners from seemingly impossible positions.
- Tactical Bravery: He frequently deployed drop shots at critical moments, a high-risk, high-reward strategy that showcased his confidence and disrupted his opponents' rhythm.
This approach was never more critical than in his quarterfinal clash against an in-form Alexander Zverev. After dropping the first set, many younger players might have tightened up. Instead, Alcaraz doubled down on his aggressive style, trusting his game and his physicality to overpower the German in four sets. He later stated, “I stayed strong mentally. I knew I had to go for it, and I did.”
The Ultimate Test: A Final for the Ages
The final against Novak Djokovic was the ultimate test of his self-imposed doctrine. For three hours and 16 minutes of breathtaking, physically punishing tennis, the two titans traded blows in what many are calling one of the finest matches of the Open Era. Djokovic, the 23-time major champion, embodied relentless pressure himself, forcing Alcaraz to the brink on numerous occasions. There were moments where fear could have easily taken hold—a missed break point, a lost set after holding a lead, or facing the legendary Djokovic resilience in the fourth set.
Yet, each time, Alcaraz seemed to recalibrate, his mantra surely echoing in his mind. He saved a set point in the second set with courageous hitting. After a brutal 25-minute, 16-game third set that he lost, he could have folded. Instead, he emerged for the fourth set with renewed vigor, breaking Djokovic immediately. His ability to reset and continue "going for it" after such a devastating blow was a testament to his mental strength, forged by that simple pre-tournament promise.
A Defining Moment of Courage
The match’s defining moment arrived deep in the third set. While he ultimately lost the set, a single point encapsulated his fearless philosophy. At 6-5 down in the tiebreak, facing set point, Alcaraz executed a perfectly disguised, sharply angled drop shot winner. It was a staggering display of audacity under the most extreme pressure. He wasn’t playing to avoid loss; he was playing to win. This single point, though in a lost cause, sent a clear message to Djokovic and the world: Carlos Alcaraz would not be cowed.
Beyond the Trophy: A Lesson in Mindset
While the physical trophy is the tangible reward, the greater victory for Alcaraz may be the validation of his mental approach. In a sport where margins are infinitesimal, the psychological edge is everything. His decision to consciously articulate and then embody a positive, aggressive mindset provided that edge. It allowed him to transform potentially paralyzing pressure into empowering energy.
His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has often spoken about the importance of Alcaraz’s attitude. After the win, he noted, “The most important thing is that he always wants to improve, he always listens. But tonight, he was the one who gave the lesson. He showed us all what it means to believe in yourself completely.” The note was the purest expression of that self-belief, a contract he made with himself that he was determined to honor.
Conclusion: The Power of a Simple Promise
Carlos Alcaraz’s 2023 US Open victory will be remembered for its thunderous forehands, incredible athleticism, and a final of legendary quality. But beneath the surface of these spectacular feats lay a simple, powerful psychological tool: a note. In writing “go for it, don’t be afraid,” Alcaraz gave himself permission to transcend pressure and play the game he loves with joy and freedom. It is a profound reminder that before a champion can lift a trophy, he must first conquer his own mind. For Alcaraz, that battle was won not with a racquet, but with a pen, setting the stage for a victory that was as much about mental mastery as it was about physical supremacy.