Fresh off his electrifying triumph at the 2025 French Open, Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old tennis sensation, traded the clay courts of Roland Garros for the sun-soaked beaches of Ibiza. The world No. 2, who cemented his legacy with a historic five-set comeback against Jannik Sinner in Paris, took a brief but vital three-day hiatus to unwind with friends before diving into the grass-court season. Now, as he prepares to compete at the Queen’s Club Championships in London, Alcaraz exudes a renewed focus, crediting his Ibiza escape for recharging him physically and mentally. “It’s kind of the middle of the season,” he said, reflecting on his getaway. “After the clay season, which is very intense, I think it’s the perfect time to get away.”
Alcaraz’s Ibiza tradition has become a hallmark of his career, a ritual that balances the relentless demands of professional tennis with the joys of a 22-year-old’s life. Following his grueling clay-court campaign—which included titles in Monte Carlo, Rome, and a second consecutive French Open crown—the Spaniard jetted to the Balearic island for a brief respite. Unlike past visits, where he admitted to indulging in the island’s vibrant nightlife, this trip was more subdued. “It was fun, but honestly, I was there more mentally than physically,” he told reporters at Queen’s Club. “The craziest thing was probably staying out really late. I danced a bit, but nothing more than what a normal person would do. I’m getting older—my body doesn’t keep up anymore!” His lighthearted quip belied the maturity of a player who understands the value of disconnection.
The timing of his break was strategic. “My friends go every year, so I go too,” Alcaraz explained. “It doesn’t matter where. The point is to switch off mentally, recharge physically, and come back ready for the grass season.” His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, endorsed the getaway, emphasizing its role in Alcaraz’s mental reset. “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 said, noting that Alcaraz returns “refreshed and in a good mental state.” Despite initial concerns about his participation at Queen’s Club, Alcaraz arrived in London on Saturday, practicing diligently to adapt to grass after weeks on clay.
Alcaraz’s French Open victory, a five-hour, 29-minute epic, saw him rally from two sets down and save three match points against Sinner, marking the longest final in Roland Garros history. The win solidified his status as the third-youngest man to claim five Grand Slam titles, trailing only Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg. Yet, even as he basks in the glow of his Parisian triumph, Alcaraz remains grounded. “I still watch videos of that match, and I can’t believe I came back from that,” he admitted, his awe underscoring the magnitude of his achievement. His ability to savor these moments while staying focused on the future sets him apart.
At Queen’s Club, where he won the title in 2023, Alcaraz faces Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round, a matchup that promises early fireworks. With a 6-1 record at the tournament and a 13-match winning streak, he enters as the favorite, despite the challenges of transitioning to grass. “The most difficult part is to move well on it,” he noted, recalling his cautious approach to the surface. His past success on grass, including back-to-back Wimbledon titles, fuels confidence, but he acknowledges the need for swift adaptation. “After such a great but intense few weeks, having time to disconnect and have fun is really important for me,” he said, reinforcing the balance that drives his success.
Alcaraz’s Ibiza escape, captured in social media posts alongside friends like Spanish footballer Sergio Reguilón, has sparked chatter among fans, who celebrate his ability to blend youthful exuberance with professional discipline. His Netflix documentary, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, revealed past tensions with his team over these trips, but his results—Queen’s and Wimbledon titles in 2023 and 2024—silence doubters. As he eyes a third consecutive Wimbledon crown, starting June 30, Alcaraz’s refreshed mindset and relentless drive position him as a formidable force. His journey, from Ibiza’s beaches to London’s grass, embodies a champion’s quest to conquer both the court and the complexities of fame.
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