IBIZA — Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that his recent trip to Ibiza was "more chill" compared to previous visits, as he focused on recuperation ahead of his Queen's Club Championship campaign.
The 21-year-old Wimbledon champion, known for his explosive playing style and relentless energy, opted for a low-key getaway to the Balearic Island before returning to competitive action. Alcaraz, who has previously enjoyed Ibiza's vibrant nightlife, emphasized that this year's visit was about "recharging mentally and physically."
A Shift in Priorities
Alcaraz, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, acknowledged that his approach to downtime has evolved as his career progresses. "Before, I’d go out more, explore the parties, but now I value rest and preparation," he told Spanish media. The young star has been balancing a packed schedule, including deep runs at the French Open and upcoming grass-court tournaments.
His Ibiza itinerary this year included:
- Morning beach sessions for light training
- Meditation and recovery sessions
- Quiet dinners with his team
- Early nights to maintain sleep discipline
Preparing for Queen's and Wimbledon
The decision for a relaxed trip comes as Alcaraz prepares to defend his title at the Queen's Club Championships, a key warm-up event for Wimbledon. Last year, his victory at Queen's marked his first grass-court title, propelling him to Wimbledon glory weeks later.
"Grass is a surface that demands freshness—both in the legs and the mind," Alcaraz explained. "After a long clay season, I needed this reset."
Training Adjustments
Sources close to Alcaraz's camp revealed that his Ibiza training focused on:
- Footwork drills on sand to adapt to grass
- Low-impact cardio to preserve his knees
- Visualization techniques for grass-court play
- Reduced racket work to prevent burnout
Contrast to Previous Visits
In 2022, Alcaraz made headlines in Ibiza by celebrating his US Open qualification with teammates at iconic venues like Ushuaïa. This year, however, his social media showed only serene sunsets and training snippets. "I’ve learned that recovery is as important as training," he reflected.
Tennis analysts note this maturity aligns with his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero's philosophy. The former world No. 1 has consistently emphasized "strategic rest periods" to sustain Alcaraz's longevity in the sport.
Looking Ahead
Alcaraz will begin his Queen's title defense on June 17th, facing a strong field including Holger Rune and Grigor Dimitrov. When asked about Wimbledon expectations, he remained cautious: "First things first—I want to play well at Queen's. The rest will come."
His adjusted approach appears to be paying off. During a recent practice session at Queen's, observers noted his improved movement on grass compared to last year's transition period. The Spaniard has been working extensively on:
- Slice backhand development
- Serve-and-volley tactics
- Low-ball pickup techniques
As the tennis world watches Alcaraz's grass-court season unfold, his Ibiza retreat may prove pivotal. "Sometimes doing less means achieving more," he mused—a lesson that could define his summer campaign.
With Novak Djokovic recovering from knee surgery and Jannik Sinner managing hip concerns, Alcaraz's refreshed state positions him as a favorite for the Wimbledon title. His team believes the "chilled Ibiza formula" might become an annual pre-grass ritual.