Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has once again proven that balance is key to his meteoric rise, crediting a brief but rejuvenating trip to Ibiza for his commanding victory at the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships. Just two weeks after his epic five-set triumph over Jannik Sinner in the French Open final on June 8, Alcaraz stormed back to the grass courts of London, defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2 to reclaim the Queen’s title he first won in 2023. The world No. 2, now a clear favorite to defend his Wimbledon crown from June 30 to July 13, revealed that his post-Paris getaway to the Balearic party island was the catalyst for his renewed energy and focus. “I’m a player who needs days off, days to enjoy, days for myself to spend with my friends, with my family, just to turn off my mind,” he said, emphasizing the mental reset that propelled him to glory.
Alcaraz’s French Open victory, a grueling five-hour, 29-minute battle—the longest men’s final in Roland Garros history—saw him rally from two sets down, saving three championship points to secure his fifth Grand Slam title. The emotional and physical toll was immense, prompting him to jet off to Ibiza with friends, including Tottenham footballer Sergio Reguilón, for a three-day break. Unlike the wilder escapades of previous years, this trip was “more chill,” with Alcaraz admitting, “The craziest thing was probably staying out really late. I danced a bit, but nothing more than what a normal person would do.” Reflecting on his time away, he added, “It was fun, but honestly, I was there more mentally than physically. I had fun, just three nights, three days, and I think that was more than enough.” This strategic pause, a tradition since 2023, allowed him to “turn off” the pressures of the clay season and recharge for the grass.
The decision to take a break wasn’t without scrutiny. Last year’s Ibiza trip, detailed in his Netflix documentary *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, drew criticism from his team, with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero cautioning, “I think it’s great to disconnect, but a part of your mind needs to remember you’re a tennis player.” That 2024 getaway left Alcaraz underprepared, resulting in a second-round loss to Jack Draper at Queen’s. This time, Ferrero embraced the plan, advising Alcaraz to “have a good time” but to “remember he’s a tennis player.” “Yesterday I told him he deserved it, but to stay mindful,” Ferrero shared, noting that these breaks help Alcaraz return “refreshed and in a good mental state.” The strategy paid off: Alcaraz faced no break points at Queen’s, firing 18 aces in a two-hour, eight-minute masterclass against Lehecka.
Alcaraz’s approach reflects his unique blend of discipline and youthful exuberance. “It’s really complicated, the switch from clay to grass in just a few days,” he admitted, noting he had only two days of practice before competing. Yet, his 6-1 record at Queen’s and 21st career title underscore his grass-court mastery. “The days in Ibiza helped me a lot, just to feel like I’m not a tennis player, just to enjoy life a little bit with my friends, have fun, and then come back to the court with more energy, be more hungry to play again,” he said. This balance has fueled a 27-1 run since a shock Miami Open loss in March, where a Cancun break similarly reignited his passion.
As Wimbledon looms, Alcaraz’s focus shifts to London, with no plans for another Ibiza escape. “I wish,” he smiled, adding, “I’m going to stay here in London, hopefully enjoy London a little bit.” His first Wimbledon practice is set for June 25, with Ferrero guiding his quest for a third straight title—a feat achieved by only Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic since 1991. Facing rivals like Sinner and Djokovic, Alcaraz’s ability to blend hard work with well-timed breaks makes him a formidable force, ready to chase history at SW19.
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