On June 8, 2025, Carlos Alcaraz solidified his status as one of tennis’s brightest stars by defending his French Open title in an epic five-set battle against Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros. The 22-year-old Spaniard outlasted the world No. 1 in a grueling five-hour, 29-minute final, winning 4-6, 6-7(3), 6-4, 7-6(7), 7-6(10-2). This victory marked Alcaraz’s second French Open crown and his fifth Grand Slam title, making him the youngest player to win major titles on clay, grass, and hard courts. The triumph was a testament to his resilience, creativity, and ability to perform under pressure, but it also sparked a conversation about his post-victory plans—a brief getaway to Ibiza that drew cautious words from his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. “It’s not just about partying,” Ferrero emphasized, highlighting the importance of balancing relaxation with professional discipline.
The final against Sinner was a rollercoaster, showcasing Alcaraz’s trademark flair and mental toughness. Down two sets and facing three championship points in the fourth, Alcaraz clawed his way back, leveraging his powerful forehand, deft drop shots, and relentless energy. The match, the longest in French Open final history, captivated fans at Court Philippe-Chatrier and underscored the burgeoning rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner, who have now split the last six Grand Slam titles. Ferrero, a former French Open champion himself, praised Alcaraz’s tenacity, noting, “I think he was born to play these kinds of moments.” He recalled a critical moment at 3-5, 0-40 in the fourth set, when Alcaraz signaled to his box with his racket, as if to say, “I’m still here,” before rallying to force a fifth set. “With Carlos, everything is possible,” Ferrero added, marveling at his protégé’s ability to defy the odds.
After the emotional and physical toll of the final, Alcaraz sought a brief escape to Ibiza with friends, a decision that echoed a similar trip after his 2024 French Open win. Last year, his three-day getaway raised eyebrows among his team, with Ferrero, his agent Albert Molina, and physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno expressing concerns about its timing ahead of the grass-court season. Despite their reservations, Alcaraz returned to defend his Wimbledon title in 2024, proving the break didn’t derail his focus. This year, Ferrero adopted a more permissive stance, acknowledging Alcaraz’s need to unwind at 22. “For Alcaraz, it’s not just about the word ‘party,’ it’s about disconnection, not thinking about tennis, and being a 22-year-old kid,” Ferrero explained. However, he issued a gentle warning, aware of potential criticism if results faltered: “We knew that if he lost, there would be comments like, ‘Look at him, going to Ibiza to prepare for Wimbledon.’”
Alcaraz’s Ibiza trips have become a recurring theme, reflecting his approach to balancing the intense demands of professional tennis with moments of normalcy. In a Netflix docuseries, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, he shared how the 2024 trip came about spontaneously when a friend invited him to the party island. “I told him, ‘I’ll be there tomorrow,’” Alcaraz recounted, despite Molina’s protests that it wasn’t ideal with Queen’s Club and Wimbledon looming. The decision paid off then, as Alcaraz swept both tournaments, but Ferrero remains mindful of ensuring such breaks don’t compromise his preparation. “I told him to have fun, that he deserved it, but to be careful,” Ferrero said, emphasizing the need for Alcaraz to return to training with renewed focus.
Ferrero’s coaching philosophy centers on helping Alcaraz harness his immense potential while fostering maturity. Since taking on the then-16-year-old in 2019, Ferrero has guided him to 20 ATP titles, including seven Masters 1000 crowns, and the world No. 1 ranking in 2022. Their bond, forged at the Ferrero Tennis Academy in Alicante, is deeply personal, with Alcaraz calling Ferrero a “second father.” Yet, Ferrero admitted in the docuseries that Alcaraz’s occasionally relaxed attitude can be challenging. “I want him to be the best in history, but I’m not sure if I can keep going like this,” he confessed, hinting at the emotional investment required to coach a talent of Alcaraz’s caliber.
As Alcaraz prepares for Wimbledon, where he aims to defend his title again, Ferrero is focused on refining his game. “Improving his serve gives him confidence, although we still need to evolve it, like with other strokes,” Ferrero noted, pointing to technical adjustments like a more direct forehand and higher backhand trajectory. Alcaraz’s 13–1 record in five-set matches, the best in tennis history, underscores his clutch performance, but Ferrero stresses consistency, especially on faster surfaces. The addition of Samuel Lopez to the coaching team in 2024 has also bolstered Alcaraz’s support system, allowing him to thrive even when Ferrero was absent for events like Rotterdam and Monte-Carlo.
Alcaraz’s French Open triumph and subsequent Ibiza getaway highlight the delicate balance between celebrating success and maintaining discipline. As he navigates the pressures of stardom, Ferrero’s guidance ensures he remains grounded. “He matures each year,” Ferrero observed, noting Alcaraz’s improved handling of on-court challenges. With Wimbledon on the horizon, Alcaraz’s ability to “disconnect” without losing sight of his goals will be key. For now, the tennis world watches eagerly, knowing that with Alcaraz, as Ferrero says, “anything is possible.”
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