Fresh off his electrifying triumph at the 2025 French Open, Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old tennis prodigy from Spain, has traded the red clay of Roland Garros for the sun-soaked shores of Ibiza. The world No. 2, known for his relentless work ethic and explosive on-court style, is taking a well-deserved break to recharge before the grueling grass-court season. This quick getaway to the Balearic Islands has become a ritual for Alcaraz, a way to celebrate his victories and reset his mind, and it’s already generating buzz as he balances his meteoric rise with moments of youthful exuberance.
Alcaraz’s journey to Ibiza comes on the heels of his second consecutive French Open title, a feat that solidified his status as one of tennis’s brightest stars. In a thrilling final, he outlasted Alexander Zverev in a five-set epic, showcasing the resilience and flair that have made him a fan favorite. The victory marked his fifth Grand Slam title and further cemented his place in history as the youngest man to win majors on three different surfaces. Yet, despite the weight of his achievements, Alcaraz remains refreshingly grounded, craving moments to “switch off” and embrace life beyond the baseline. “I had a few days off and went to Ibiza with a group of friends,” he shared recently, his voice tinged with excitement. “I had fun, enjoyed my time, enjoyed my days off—it was a great time to celebrate Roland Garros.”
The decision to jet off to Ibiza, a haven known for its vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches, reflects Alcaraz’s philosophy of balancing discipline with downtime. Accompanied by close friends, he was spotted soaking up the island’s lively atmosphere, from dancing at iconic nightclubs to singing karaoke with infectious enthusiasm. In one memorable moment, he belted out Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” a fitting anthem for a player who has conquered the sport’s biggest stages. “I need these things too,” Alcaraz explained, emphasizing the importance of stepping away from tennis to maintain his mental edge. “For me, to have my best level, I need to separate my personal life from tennis. Have my days off, be with family and friends. Put the racket aside.”
This isn’t Alcaraz’s first pilgrimage to Ibiza. In 2023, after a crushing French Open semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic, he sought solace on the island, a move that raised eyebrows among his team. His agent, Albert Molina, cautioned against the trip, warning, “It might not be the best idea to go to Ibiza for three or four days when you had Queen’s the following week and then Wimbledon.” Yet, Alcaraz’s instincts proved spot-on: he went on to win his first Wimbledon title weeks later, defeating Djokovic in a stunning final. He repeated the Ibiza ritual in 2024, and though his Queen’s Club title defense faltered, he successfully defended his Wimbledon crown. “I’m not saying I won because of the party,” he quipped in a recent documentary, “but those days went well for me. And if things go well, I have to repeat.”
Despite the success that has followed his Ibiza escapes, Alcaraz’s carefree approach has sparked debate among his inner circle. His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former world No. 1, has expressed concerns about whether Alcaraz’s zest for life might hinder his quest to become the greatest player in history. “We are here to create the greatest player because of his abilities,” Ferrero said, hinting at the sacrifices required to rival legends like Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Alcaraz’s fitness coach, Juanjo Moreno, even called him “selfish” for prioritizing short-term enjoyment over long-term preparation. Yet, Alcaraz remains unapologetic, asserting his need to live like a typical 22-year-old. “I’m getting older, I’m starting to make my own decisions,” he declared, a sentiment that resonates with fans who admire his authenticity.
As Alcaraz basks in Ibiza’s glow, questions linger about his participation in the upcoming Queen’s Club Championships, where he is the defending champion. Ferrero revealed that Alcaraz will undergo physical and mental assessments before committing, a cautious approach given the demands of the grass season and his looming Olympic debut alongside Nadal in Paris. “He’s switching off,” Ferrero noted. “I told him to have a good time, but to remember that he’s a tennis player at all times.” For now, Alcaraz is focused on recharging, knowing that the pressures of Wimbledon and the Olympics await.
Alcaraz’s Ibiza getaway is more than a celebration—it’s a testament to his unique approach to stardom. While his peers might cloister themselves in training, he finds strength in joy, whether it’s dancing under Ibiza’s neon lights or laughing with friends by the Mediterranean. As he prepares to return to the court, the tennis world watches eagerly, wondering if this latest escape will fuel another historic run. With his racket temporarily set aside, Alcaraz is living la vida loca, proving that even champions need a moment to dance to their own beat.
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