something out of the ordinary

[playmy8ce]

I'm just done with the current state of the ATP. without Carlos playing, it's like- what's even the point?

[incorrecttennis]

Carlos: I think I just figured something out. I got to go.

Coco: Aren't you forgetting something?

Carlos: Oh… uhm…

Carlos: *hesitantly kisses Coco’s forehead before running out*

Coco: No, pay your bill! Damn, who raised you?

[playmy8ce]

#happy23carlitos: alcaraz x pokemon [day 5]

prev: #1 Corvisquire #2 Ampharos #3 Rockruff #4 Lucario

#5: Oricorio (Baile style)

it's missing carlos alcaraz hours, and now that I have the time to complete this series-- let's go!

Oricorio is an avian Pokemon that can change into different forms based on the type of nectar it consumes. when it ingests Red Nectar, it changes to Baile Style, which becomes a dual-type Fire/Flying. Its plumage closely resembles a flamenco dress. Flamenco is an art form fusing song, dance, and music; originating from Andalusian region of southern Spain, as well as roots in Murcia and Extremadura. This makes Oricorio a great representation of Carlos' love for his hometown and country.

Oricorio (Baile style) is very passionate and exudes power when it dances, very much so like Carlos on the court. But that's not where the resemblance ends, because similar to Carlos, Oricorio can get fiercely angry when it is given the wrong orders. In the finals of Tokyo 2025, Carlos got noticeably angry when he received a time violation warning from the umpire after playing a long game. Then in Doha this year, he argued with the umpire when he received a time violation during his semifinals match. He has called for change to the time violation rule, and gets easily riled up by the shot clock (as reported by the man himself).

Finally, there is a parallel in Carlos' graceful footwork and Oricorio's Dancer Ability. His kick serve is a work of art. There are pictures of Carlos side-by-side pictures of ballet dancers, and the similarities are incredible. Dutch ballerina and former principal dancer Igone de Jongh was interviewed during Rotterdam 2025, and she made the observation that Carlos' coordination was 'unreal', and that the movements for tennis greatly resemble those of ballet. tennis is Carlos' chosen art form, and we are blessed to witness it.

[channelslam]

La Tenada June 2026: Alcaraz or the moments where heroes are born

Illustration by Carmela Liaño

[carlicos]

Jessica Schiffer did an interview with José Criales-Unzueta, the writer behind Carlos's cover story, and I thought I'd share a few of his responses! More over on her Substack: Hard Court

[channelslam]

The description is fucking killing me?2!;&(&(‘ngjfkfkjfnf

[alcarasz]

he should always be wet and covered in clay imo

[tieheartbreaker]

DIOS MIO

[playmy8ce]

#happy23carlitos: alcaraz x pokemon [day 4]

prev: #1 Corvisquire #2 Ampharos #3 Rockruff

#4: Lucario

I just can't get enough of canine pokemon for Carlitos, sue me. fun fact: Lucario was the first pokemon I thought of for Carlos. let me explain-

Lucario is a dual-type Fighting/Steel Pokemon. It is able to sense and study the auras of its opponents to predict their movements and track their quarry. For ATP Finals 2025, after Carlos beats Taylor Fritz in the round robin, Carlos was quoted saying that he and his team study players' movements and where they usually hit the ball. There have been matches whereby Carlos seems to instinctively know where his opponent is going to hit the ball, and he is there, ready.

Despite having such a useful ability for battle and hunting, Lucario also tends to get stressed out when they find out information they did not want to know. I think this reflects Carlos's own sensitivity towards negativity from online comments and judgmental tennis commentators. From his 2026 Career Grand Slam speech, it was clear that the extreme reaction towards his coaching situation was a key driving factor in his AO campaign. [Note: I don't know anything about the extent of the toll it took on Carlos, but the overreaction from pundits and fans alike was insane. Just mindblowing.] That said, part of the reason why I chose Lucario for Carlos is that Lucario is known to be an extremely loyal Pokemon that trusts Trainers with righteous hearts. So if there are any bitter ex-coaches or current ATP players who would like to shit-talk Carlos, Lucario can dispatch them with a swift kick to the you-know-what.

Lucario is evolved from Riolu, a smaller blue canine. It has superhuman strength, stamina, and endurance. It's a perfect representation from when Carlos first broke into the tour, and his speed and shot selection caught everyone's attention. Veterans who hit with him before tournaments knew he was going to be special. Riolu may be playful and energetic, but it is also tough and hardworking. Back then, some individuals would deem Carlos as a 'party boy' who doesn't take tennis seriously. But time and time again, Carlos has shown that he is dedicated to tennis, and he works hard to get to where he is today.

tldr; I just want Carlitos to be surrounded by protective dog pokemon so people can stop being so gd disrespectful.

[tieheartbreaker]

you can see carlos' grey hairs and how his hair will probably look like his dad's when he gets older :')

[playmy8ce]

#happy23carlitos: alcaraz x pokemon [day 3]

prev: #1 Corvisquire #2 Ampharos

#3: Rockruff

how can I not give Carlitos a dog pokemon? how??? look at those puppy eyes. you get a dog, everyone gets a dog!!

Rockruff is a Rock-type, canine Pokemon. It is said to be very sociable, and greets others by rubbing them with the rocks around its neck. This screams Carlos, remember that clip of him walking down the hallway, just greeting everyone in sight? That's Carlos. He's friendly and personable, which is why he's such a top favourite of the tour.

Of course as a canine, Rockruff has a keen sense of smell and will never forget an odour after smelling it once. I'd argue this is similar to Carlos's visual ability in that, previous coaches have said he just needs to see a movement or stroke a couple of times and he can replicate it. Rockruff becomes more independent and vicious as it ages, however it never forgets its Trainer's kindness. Carlos has made and will continue to make decisions that work best for him. He always thanks his team, his family, and his fans for their support; his constant usage of 'we' in his statements show that he acknowledges that even though tennis is an individual sport, he has a whole pack of supporters behind him.

Rockruff's evolved form, Lycanroc, has three different variants - Midday, Midnight, and Dusk (according to the time of evolution). Each variant has different traits, and as much as I'd like to attribute Midday form to Carlos (because he's a sunshine boy), I thought twice and now think Dusk form would be most fitting. Lycanroc (Dusk form) has traits from both Midday and Midnight forms- a calm and collected demeanor from Midday, and fighting spirit from Midnight. Carlos has said on numerous occasions that staying calm on court to problem-solve is key for his game, and as mentioned in the previous post, he has an insane ability to claw his way back into a match even when he's a set or two down. The hope is that as he continues to work on his game, both these aspects continue to mature as well.

As the Dusk form only evolves at sunset, it is deemed to be the rarest of the three forms. Carlos being a generational talent just makes sense for this pairing.

I'm having so much fun with these posts it's insane i need sleep but i wanted to get this out too. the things i do for you, charly, honestly.

[tieheartbreaker]

— Lost Ball, Found Comedy: Alcaraz, Bublik, Tsitsipas go treasure hunting [Edited Only Carlos Version]

[playmy8ce]

#happy23carlitos: alcaraz x pokemon [day 2]

prev: #1 Corvisquire

#2 Ampharos

Ampharos is an Electric-type, bipedal ovine Pokemon. Carlos deserves an Electric-type because he himself is electric. His playing style, his energy and passion- it cannot be denied that Carlos draws crowds and is an incredible representative of tennis. The orb on Ampharos's tail is said to be so bright, that it can be seen from space. Likewise, Carlos's influence has transcended tennis and crossed over to other sports.

Even though Ampharos is the final evolved form, it also Mega Evolves to become Mega Ampharos. In this Mega Evolved form, Ampharos's attack and defence abilities soar. This is similar to Carlos's clutch ability. For him to be able to find a higher level when his back is against the wall (e.g. RG 2025 anyone?), is one of his trademarks. In addition, he has one of the best tiebreak stats in the tour.

I also chose Ampharos because according to the Chinese Zodiac, Carlos was born on a Sheep year. So a sheep pokemon for the baby GOAT :p

hit me up for any guesses for my next pick: starting with letter 'R'!

[playmy8ce]

#happy23carlitos: alcaraz x pokemon [day 1]

in celebration of Carlos's birthday, I thought I'd combine both my loves and create a Pokemon team for my favourite tennis player. a pokemon team has 6 places, and I based my choices to form his name. here we go:

#1 Corvisquire

Corvisquire is a crow-like Pokemon that uses tools in battle, similar to Carlos's wide range of shot-making and tennis IQ to back it up. Over the course of many harsh battles, they learn to assess the strength of prospective opponents. It reminds me of a quote from Carlos about how he doesn't lose, he learns. Very positive outlook on the sport, and that kind of drive shows in how much he has achieved in the years he has been a professional tennis player.

Corvisquire is the evolved form of Rookidee, a tiny bird that fights against any opponent, no matter how big or small. Even if they lose, Rookidees grow stronger little by little. This is a good call-back to Carlos starting out in the tour as a teenager, taking on veterans like Nadal and Djokovic; and eventually working his way up to World #1.

I did not choose Corvisquire's evolved form, Corviknight, because I do not believe that Carlos has reached his peak form yet. I think he has goals he has yet to achieve and it will be exciting to see how far he can take his career. Like Corviknight, I hope when Carlos reaches his maximum potential, his opponents get scared of playing him. When he smiles on the court, I hope his opponents get chills down their backs, because Carlitos is just getting started.

stay tuned for my next pick!

[playmy8ce]

the only things certain in life:

death

taxes

Zverat dragging Carlos Alcaraz's name when he chokes on an important match

carlos baby that man ain't your friend

[carlicos]

@tennistv: *That* @CarlosAlcaraz point in Monte-Carlo 😍

Carlos and his colleagues reflect on his 2025 Shot of the Year...

[mamatere2]

[playmy8ce]