"Don't beat me, I guess" - Carlos Alcaraz gives advice to Joao Fonseca, Learner Tien and the next crop of tennis stars

There have been several upsets during the first week of the 2025 Australian Open, with most spearheaded by Next Gen ATP stars. Former World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz was quick to give them credit, provided he did not lose to any of them.

World No.9 Andrey Rublev was one of the first top-ranked players to fall, losing to Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in the first round. Rising American star Learner Tien defeated former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller in the second round, while Czech youngster Jakub Mensik overcame former World No.2 Casper Ruud in their second round clash.

Following his third-round victory over Portugal's Nuno Borges, Alcaraz was asked if he had any advice for the rising ATP stars. The Spaniard appeared flabbergasted at first, before pointing out he was barely older than the next wave of ATP players.

"You've seen some teenagers here, Fonseca, Mensik, Tien, all beat top-10 players," said a reporter. "What advice would you give someone at breaking through at such a young age?"

"I've seen those players," began Alcaraz. "I've seen the level that they have. I don't know which ranking they're going to reach but they have a lot of potential.
"I'm talking like I’m 30 years old… I’m just 2 years older than them (laughing). What advice? Don’t beat me, I guess.
"I see them capable of beating anyone, including myself. They have the level, they get more experience in every tournament they play. As they get more experience, they become more dangerous, so we'll see in the future."