The secret to Carlos Alcaraz's success? Indulging in kebabs and burgers off court

Top names such as Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu have fairly regimented diets of gluten free for the former and eating smoked salmon three times a day for the latter. But Carlos Alcaraz snubs that in favour of eating what he wants to a point.

Alcaraz has won two Grand Slam titles in 2024 in Roland Garros and Wimbledon and alongside Jannik Sinner is anchoring the next generation. But whilst he does so, he isn't one to starve his body of what he wants which is kebabs and burgers when he is back home in Murcia.

“I don't follow a diet per se, but I do try to take care of myself,” he told the ATP. “I've learned a lot about eating what is good for my career, and what isn't. But when it's time to break the diet a little, I do.

“I don't have a nutritionist as such, but my physiotherapist, Juanjo Moreno, knows a lot. He's a very curious guy who tries to study nutrition, and he guides me in the tournaments.”

“I eat a plate of gluten-free pasta mixed with a cocoa spread called Ambrosia, which contains olive oil and dates. I usually eat all of that about an hour and a half before the match.

“At match time, I usually eat a bar with dates, egg whites and I think guarana. And I usually combine it with bananas. I've been eating that for a long time. About a year and a half, more or less, and I really like it, to be honest.”

But whilst he eats fairly healthily before matches, he does allow himself to binge. “I'm not much of a dessert or sweets person, but when I'm here in Murcia I do like to have a burger or pizza from time to time... I really like it,” he said.

“Kebab. I eat a lot of it when I'm in Murcia,” he responded when asked about his favourite food. “But I'm actually very simple. I don't think I'd surprise anyone with what I eat.”