NEW YORK — In the wake of Carlos Alcaraz’s stunning five-set victory over Jannik Sinner to claim the 2024 US Open title, the Spaniard’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has revealed a crucial psychological edge he believes his protégé holds over his greatest rival. Ferrero detailed a specific, private request from Alcaraz that underscores his unique champion’s mentality and insatiable drive for improvement, even at the pinnacle of the sport.
The final, a breathtaking 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 marathon that stretched past four hours, was widely hailed as an instant classic, showcasing the breathtaking power and youthful exuberance that has defined this new era of men's tennis. Yet, according to Ferrero, the difference was not just in the physical rallies but in a mental fortitude forged through relentless work. "In these moments, it is not about forehands or backhands; it is about who is stronger in the mind," Ferrero stated.
The Private Request That Defines a Champion
Ferrero, a former world No. 1 and French Open champion himself, explained that following his semi-final win, Alcaraz made a telling request. Instead of resting or celebrating, the young champion asked for an immediate and intense video analysis session focused specifically on Sinner’s game. "Carlos came to me and said, 'I need to see everything. Show me where I can hurt him,'" Ferrero recounted.
This proactive approach to preparation, seeking out potential weaknesses even in an opponent as complete as Sinner, is what Ferrero pinpointed as a key separator. He contrasted it with a more passive mindset, noting that many players would be content to rely on their own strengths. "Carlos is never content. He wants to attack his opponent's game, not just play his own. That is a champion's mentality."
Dissecting the Sinner Threat: A Tactical Masterclass
The video session, Ferrero revealed, focused on several critical areas where they believed they could gain a marginal advantage. Sinner, who had beaten Alcaraz in their previous major meeting at the 2024 Australian Open semi-finals, presented a unique challenge with his devastating power from the baseline and improved physical resilience.
Ferrero outlined the primary tactical adjustments they emphasized during their preparation:
- Targeting the Backhand in Extended Rallies: While Sinner’s backhand is a weapon, they identified it as slightly more error-prone than his forehand under constant, heavy pressure, especially when pulled wide.
- Disrupting Rhythm with Variety: A key plan was to avoid engaging in predictable cross-court exchanges. They worked on incorporating more drop shots, slices, and sudden changes of direction to prevent Sinner from setting his feet and unleashing his powerful groundstrokes.
- First-Serve Aggression: Alcaraz’s first-serve percentage was identified as paramount. They knew he had to land a high number of first serves to avoid facing Sinner’s aggressive returns on second serves, a area where the Italian has excelled.
Ferrero noted that the execution of this plan was far from perfect, especially after Alcaraz dropped the first set. "The start was difficult. Jannik was playing unbelievable tennis, hitting every ball so hard and so deep. But Carlos stayed calm. He trusted the work we did. He knew if he could stay in the match, his moment would come, and his ability to problem-solve on the court is incredible."
The Ferrero-Alcaraz Dynamic: A Partnership Built on Trust
The relationship between the 21-year-old phenom and his veteran coach is frequently cited as a cornerstone of his rapid ascent. Ferrero provides not just technical guidance but a steadying, experienced hand. He understands the pressures of being at the top of the game and has been instrumental in managing Alcaraz's schedule and expectations. "My role is sometimes to be a coach, sometimes a friend, sometimes a psychologist," Ferrero said.
This trust was evident during the crucial fourth set of the final. With Sinner up a break and serving to force a fifth set, Alcaraz looked to his box after breaking back. Ferrero’s response was a series of calm, deliberate hand gestures, reinforcing their pre-match tactics. "It was to remind him to breathe, to play his game, to use the drop shot. He needed to remember what we talked about."
The Mental Edge in a Rivalry For the Ages
While Ferrero was quick to heap praise on Sinner, calling him "an incredible player who will win many slams," he believes Alcaraz’s intangible qualities give him a slight edge in their burgeoning rivalry. "Carlos has this belief, this fire. He truly believes he can win every point, even when he is down. It is something you cannot teach."
This was never more evident than in the fifth set. After a grueling four sets, it was Alcaraz who found another gear, breaking Sinner’s serve early and never looking back. His celebration—a collapse to the court in tears of joy and exhaustion—was a testament to the immense physical and mental effort required to secure his fourth Grand Slam title. Ferrero concluded, "This victory is about heart. It is about wanting it more. And right now, I have never seen a hunger like the hunger inside Carlos Alcaraz."