LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz, the rising Spanish tennis sensation, has revealed the secret behind his dominant performance at the 2025 Queen's Club Championships—a pre-tournament training session with a Premier League football star. The 22-year-old, who claimed his second title at the historic grass-court event, credited his sharpened reflexes and mental clarity to an unexpected crossover session with Manchester City's midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne.
The Unlikely Training Partnership
Alcaraz, who defeated Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets during the semifinals, shared insights into his unconventional preparation. "I've always admired how footballers handle pressure and make split-second decisions," Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. "Training with Kevin was incredible—his vision and quick thinking translated surprisingly well to tennis. We did reaction drills, and he even gave me tips on footwork."
De Bruyne, known for his precision passing and spatial awareness, joined Alcaraz for a private session at London's National Tennis Centre days before the tournament. Witnesses reported seeing the pair engage in:
- Rapid-fire volley exchanges using a smaller, weighted football
- Agility ladder drills adapted for tennis movement patterns
- A playful "cross-sport" points game blending tennis rules with football-style touches
Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
Alcaraz's coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, confirmed the session led to tangible improvements. "Carlos returned serve 8% faster after those drills," Ferrero revealed. "The football training forced him to anticipate angles differently—exactly what we needed for grass."
By The Numbers: Alcaraz's Queen's Dominance
The statistics underscore Alcaraz's evolution on grass:
- 92% first-serve points won in semifinals (career high on grass)
- 47% of returns landing within 2 meters of baseline (up from 33% in 2024)
- 0 break points faced in final 3 sets against Bautista Agut
De Bruyne's Surprising Tennis Prowess
The Belgian footballer, an avid tennis fan, showed unexpected skills during their session. "Kevin's backhand was terrifying," Alcaraz laughed. "He told me his crossover steps in midfield are basically the same as adjusting for a wide forehand. Maybe I'll try football next!"
Premier League analysts noted De Bruyne had incorporated tennis-style split-step movements into his recent matches. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola quipped: "If Kevin starts serving aces, we'll know who to blame."
The Science Behind Crossover Training
Sports scientists explain why the collaboration worked:
- Football drills enhance peripheral vision crucial for net play
- Reaction training with irregular bounces mimics grass court variability
- Shared emphasis on explosive lateral movement
Dr. Emily Fletcher, LTA's head of performance innovation, noted: "We're seeing a 15-20% neural adaptation boost when elite athletes train outside their primary sport for short bursts."
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
With Wimbledon starting July 14, Alcaraz's Queen's victory—and his unconventional preparation—makes him a favorite. "I feel lighter on my feet," he said, demonstrating De Bruyne-inspired footwork. "When you train with the best in other sports, you see your own game differently."
The tennis world now watches to see if this football-infused approach will deliver Alcaraz his third Grand Slam. As for De Bruyne? He's reportedly booked a court at Wimbledon's Aorangi Park practice facilities—with his boots.