Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has revealed the crucial role his mental coach plays in his career, stating that their five-year collaboration has significantly improved his ability to manage stress and negative thoughts on court. The young star also candidly expressed his primary goal for the remainder of the season: reclaiming the coveted world No. 1 ranking.
Alcaraz’s openness about his mental support highlights a growing trend in professional sports to prioritize mental well-being alongside physical training. His aspiration to return to the top spot underscores his competitive drive and ambition following recent challenges.
The Vital Role of a Mental Coach
In a recent interview with an Italian newspaper, Alcaraz elaborated on his long-standing partnership with a psychologist. “Sometimes, negative thoughts are inevitable, but my psychologist helps me a lot to manage them,” he explained. “I have been working with her for five years and I have noticed a significant difference. Since she advises me on how to deal with stress during matches, my mentality has improved a lot”.
This revelation sheds light on the comprehensive approach Alcaraz takes to his game, acknowledging that mental fortitude is as crucial as physical prowess in the demanding world of professional tennis. His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has also previously emphasized the mental aspect of Alcaraz’s development, noting that some of his challenges are “mental and not tennis-related.” Ferrero indicated that Alcaraz is “very aware” of areas he needs to improve mentally and is “very focused on the things that he wants to improve.”
Alcaraz himself noted that in tennis, “everything is based on mentality” and that he tries to “not think about anything else but playing a sport that I enjoy” when on court. He also mentioned that while criticism once affected him, he has learned to not give it too much importance, focusing instead on learning from defeats and striving for consistency.
Eyeing the World No. 1 Ranking
Beyond his mental game, Alcaraz is clear about his professional objectives. He stated that his “main goal for the rest of the year is to reclaim the number 1 spot in the world.” Currently trailing Jannik Sinner by a significant points margin, Alcaraz remains undeterred. He acknowledges the challenge, especially with Sinner having points to defend, but asserts he is “prepared for the challenge.”
Alcaraz’s determination to reclaim the top ranking is a consistent theme in his recent statements. He has previously indicated that being World No. 1 is a constant goal whenever he is not holding the position. His strong performance, including winning the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024, and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, has put him firmly in contention.
The Spaniard views the current landscape as a healthy rivalry, particularly with Jannik Sinner, which he believes “will attract more and more people to our sport.” He noted that their encounters push each other “beyond our limits.”
Alcaraz’s focus for the latter half of the season will be on accumulating as many points as possible, as he has fewer points to defend compared to the previous year. This strategic advantage, combined with his reinforced mental approach, sets the stage for a compelling chase for the top spot in men’s tennis.
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