Alcaraz’s Coach Speaks Out on Post-Victory Ibiza Trip

Carlos Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has addressed the buzz surrounding his pupil’s decision to celebrate his recent French Open victory with a trip to Ibiza. Following Alcaraz’s thrilling five-set win against Jannik Sinner, the 22-year-old Spaniard jetted off to the party island for a well-deserved break. Ferrero has now shared his thoughts on the matter, offering a balanced perspective on the young champion’s need to unwind and his professional commitments.

A Champion’s Deserved Break

After an intense and grueling final against Sinner, where Alcaraz saved multiple championship points in a five hours and 29 minutes match, the Spaniard’s victory was hard-earned. The match was the longest-ever French Open final. Ferrero acknowledged the need for Alcaraz to decompress after such a physically and mentally taxing tournament.

“Yesterday I told him to have a good time because he deserved it, but to remember that he is a tennis player,” Ferrero told El Larguero. This statement encapsulates Ferrero’s approach: acknowledging Alcaraz’s need to celebrate while reminding him of his responsibilities as a professional athlete.

Disconnecting to Reconnect

Ferrero emphasized that Alcaraz’s trip to Ibiza wasn’t just about partying but about disconnecting from the intense world of professional 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 crucial for Alcaraz to return to work with renewed enthusiasm and motivation.

This sentiment echoes Alcaraz’s own words in his new Netflix documentary, “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way,” where he admitted that his previous trips to Ibiza were about “partying and going out” to “let loose.” However, he also acknowledged that those breaks did him good, leading to victories at Queen’s and Wimbledon.

Balancing Celebration and Commitment

While Ferrero recognizes the benefits of Alcaraz’s downtime, he also stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between celebration and commitment. He reassured fans that Alcaraz’s trip was a short break, not an extended vacation. “He’s switching off…We know how he is, these days suit him well, he’ll come back refreshed and in a good mental state,” Ferrero stated.

Ferrero’s remarks suggest that Alcaraz’s partying days will soon be over as he prepares to defend his Wimbledon title later this month. The coach’s “reminder” to Alcaraz underscores the need for the young star to refocus on his tennis career and upcoming challenges.

A History of Balancing Act

This isn’t the first time Alcaraz’s post-victory celebrations have come under scrutiny. After his inaugural French Open title last year, Alcaraz’s partying habits drew candid critiques from his manager, Albert Molina, and Ferrero. Some former players even expressed concern that Alcaraz might lack the unwavering focus needed to solidify his legacy in the sport.

However, Alcaraz silenced his doubters by returning from his Ibiza getaway and successfully defending his Wimbledon title, proving that his time off was indeed beneficial. This past success likely contributes to Ferrero’s more relaxed stance this time around.

Ferrero’s Faith in Alcaraz

Beyond the discussion of celebrations, Ferrero has consistently expressed his admiration for Alcaraz’s resilience, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. Following the French Open final, Ferrero lauded Alcaraz’s mental fortitude, saying, “I think his strength is to keep believing all the time until the last ball is gone. And he tries and tries.”

Ferrero also highlighted Alcaraz’s aggressive playing style and bravery in crucial moments, noting that the team tries to prepare his mind for high-pressure situations like the tie-break in the fifth set. “He went for it since the first point. [He is] very brave all the time and very aggressive trying to win the point all the time,” Ferrero said.

A Rivalry for the Ages

Ferrero also acknowledged the growing rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner, recognizing its importance for the sport of tennis. He pointed out that their matches are not just about talent but also about gripping encounters on the biggest stages and the blend of personalities.

“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. “Having these two guys fighting for big trophies, I think we have to be very happy about it in the sport of tennis.”

Looking Ahead

As Carlos Alcaraz enjoys his brief respite in Ibiza, his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, remains confident in his ability to balance celebration with commitment. With Wimbledon just around the corner, Alcaraz will soon need to shift his focus back to the court, ready to defend his title and continue his ascent in the world of tennis. Ferrero’s guidance and Alcaraz’s dedication suggest that the young Spaniard is well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead, both on and off the court.