Carlos Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has finally spoken about his pupil’s decision to celebrate his recent French Open victory with a trip to Ibiza. Ferrero’s comments offer insights into the balance between celebrating success and maintaining the discipline required for a top-tier athlete. After Alcaraz’s stunning win against Jannik Sinner, Ferrero emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment but also cautioned Alcaraz to remember his responsibilities as a tennis player.
The Coach’s Perspective
Ferrero, a former world number one and 2003 Roland Garros champion himself, has always played a crucial role in guiding Alcaraz’s career. His perspective carries significant weight, especially given Alcaraz’s young age and the temptations that come with fame and success.
Balancing Celebration and Responsibility
In a recent interview with El Larguero, Juan Carlos Ferrero addressed Alcaraz’s celebratory plans following his epic French Open triumph. Ferrero humorously stated that Alcaraz was “disconnecting.” He elaborated, “Yesterday I told him to have a good time because he deserved it, but to remember that he is a tennis player.” This encapsulates Ferrero’s approach: acknowledging the need for Alcaraz to unwind while reminding him of his professional commitments.
The Importance of Disconnecting
Ferrero stressed that the post-victory celebrations are not just about partying but also about mentally disengaging from tennis. “It’s not just about partying but about disconnecting, not thinking about tennis and being with his friends like any other 22-year-old kid,” Ferrero explained. He believes that this mental break is essential for Alcaraz to return to work with renewed motivation.
Addressing Past Concerns
The topic of Alcaraz’s celebrations gained attention earlier this year with the release of his Netflix documentary, “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way”. The documentary highlighted Ferrero’s past reservations about Alcaraz’s trips to Ibiza, particularly one before the grass season last year. In the documentary, Ferrero and agent Albert Molina expressed concerns that such trips could distract Alcaraz from his ultimate goal of surpassing Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam record.
A Shift in Perspective
However, Ferrero seems to have evolved his stance. While he initially critiqued Alcaraz’s partying habits after his first Roland Garros title last year, he now appears more supportive. This shift likely stems from recognizing the benefits Alcaraz derives from these breaks. As Ferrero noted, Alcaraz returned from his Ibiza getaway last year and successfully defended his Wimbledon title, demonstrating that the time off can be beneficial.
Alcaraz’s Celebratory Trip to Ibiza
Following his hard-fought victory over Jannik Sinner, it was revealed that Alcaraz would take a three-day trip to Ibiza before commencing his grass-court season. This marks the third consecutive year that Alcaraz has squeezed in a visit to the Balearic island between the clay and grass seasons.
A Tradition of Post-Victory Getaways
Alcaraz’s annual Ibiza pilgrimage began in 2023 after a semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic at the French Open. Seeking a break, he took a trip with friends, subsequently winning both Queen’s Club and Wimbledon. After winning his first French Open title in 2024, he returned to Ibiza, followed by an early loss at Queen’s but a successful defense of his Wimbledon title.
The Allure of Ibiza
In his Netflix documentary, Alcaraz candidly admitted that his trips to Ibiza often involve “partying and going out.” This honesty has sparked considerable discussion, with some questioning whether Alcaraz’s focus might be compromised. However, Ferrero’s recent comments suggest a more nuanced understanding.
The French Open Victory: A Moment of Triumph
Carlos Alcaraz’s victory at the French Open 2025 was nothing short of spectacular. In a thrilling final against Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz showcased his resilience, skill, and mental fortitude, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
An Epic Final
The final match was a captivating encounter that lasted five hours and 29 minutes, making it the longest French Open final in history. Sinner initially dominated, taking the first two sets 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). However, Alcaraz mounted a remarkable comeback, winning the next three sets 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), and 7-6 (10-2).
Overcoming Adversity
Alcaraz’s victory was particularly impressive given that he had never previously won a match after losing the first two sets. Moreover, he saved three championship points in the fourth set, demonstrating his unwavering determination.
Ferrero’s Faith in Alcaraz
Speaking after the match, Ferrero expressed his admiration for Alcaraz’s ability to perform under pressure. “I believe he was born for these moments,” Ferrero said. “Throughout his career, even in challengers and lower-tier tournaments, he has always seized big opportunities.” He added, “I’m not going to say that I was believing that he was able to recover from that 5-3, Love-40. But one more time with Carlos, everything is possible, and he did it again. Amazing achievement.”
Reactions and Celebrations
Alcaraz’s victory was met with widespread acclaim and enthusiastic celebrations. From fellow players to celebrities, many lauded his performance and resilience.
Celebratory Singalong
Following his second-round win at the French Open, Alcaraz led the crowd in a celebratory chant, showcasing his charisma and connection with the fans. “One thing, one thing. I always wanted to do,” Alcaraz told the crowd before initiating the chant, which was enthusiastically reciprocated.
Celebrations with Ball Kids
Alcaraz also shared a heartwarming moment with the Roland Garros ball kids, posing for photos and celebrating with them on the court. This gesture highlighted his humility and appreciation for those who contribute to the tournament’s success.
Partying in Paris
After his final victory, Alcaraz celebrated at the popular Italian restaurant Siena in Paris. Videos surfaced showing him singing and dancing with the trophy, surrounded by friends and supporters.
Alcaraz’s Grass Court Season
With the French Open behind him, Alcaraz now turns his attention to the grass-court season, with potential participation at the ATP 500 tournament at Queen’s Club.
Queen’s Club and Wimbledon
Alcaraz is the defending champion at Wimbledon, having triumphed at Queen’s Club in 2023 before securing his first Wimbledon title. However, he faced an early exit at Queen’s Club last year, losing in the second round to Jack Draper.
Balancing Rest and Preparation
The decision to take a break in Ibiza raises questions about Alcaraz’s preparation for the grass-court season. While Ferrero supports the need for disconnection, he also emphasizes the importance of remembering that Alcaraz is, first and foremost, a tennis player.
Ferrero’s Guidance
Ferrero’s role in managing Alcaraz’s schedule and balancing rest with training is crucial. After Alcaraz returns from Ibiza, he will undergo tests to determine his readiness for Queen’s Club. Ferrero’s guidance will ensure that Alcaraz is physically and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
The Alcaraz-Sinner Rivalry
The final match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was not just a contest for a Grand Slam title; it was also a showcase of one of the most exciting rivalries in tennis today.
A Budding Rivalry
Alcaraz and Sinner have quickly emerged as the dominant players on the ATP Tour, with their matches often being thrilling, high-stakes encounters. Their French Open final was a testament to their talent, athleticism, and resilience, and many believe that their rivalry could transcend the sport.
Ferrero’s Perspective
Ferrero has acknowledged the significance of this rivalry for tennis. “For [the] sport it’s something amazing to have these players after maybe Roger, Rafa, and Novak is still playing, of course. But this kind of rivalry that they have [is amazing],” Ferrero said. He added that having Alcaraz and Sinner fighting for major trophies is a positive development for the sport.
Mutual Motivation
Ferrero also noted that Alcaraz is motivated by Sinner’s consistency. “For two years, we’ve known that if Sinner kept going like this, he’d be number one. Carlos sees his stratospheric consistency, and that motivates him,” Ferrero said. This mutual motivation is likely to drive both players to continue improving and pushing the boundaries of the sport.
The Future of Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz’s future in tennis looks incredibly bright. With five Grand Slam titles at the age of 22, he has already achieved remarkable success. However, his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, believes that Alcaraz has not yet reached his full potential.
Continued Improvement
Ferrero has consistently emphasized the importance of continued improvement. He noted that Alcaraz matures each year, both on and off the court. From 2024 to now, Ferrero has observed a noticeable difference in Alcaraz’s ability to handle problems and manage his emotions during matches.
Ferrero’s Vision
Ferrero’s vision for Alcaraz extends beyond Grand Slam titles. He wants Alcaraz to continue pushing the boundaries of his game, to evolve as a player, and to inspire fans around the world. With Ferrero’s guidance and Alcaraz’s talent and determination, the possibilities are endless.
Maintaining Balance
As Alcaraz continues his journey, maintaining a balance between his professional commitments and personal life will be crucial. Ferrero’s support for Alcaraz’s need to disconnect and enjoy time with friends is a testament to his understanding of the demands placed on young athletes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Juan Carlos Ferrero’s perspective on Carlos Alcaraz’s post-French Open celebrations highlights the delicate balance between enjoying success and maintaining focus. While Ferrero acknowledges the importance of disconnecting and celebrating, he also reminds Alcaraz of his responsibilities as a professional tennis player. As Alcaraz embarks on his grass-court season, his ability to strike this balance will be crucial to his continued success.
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