Carlos Alcaraz, the World No. 2 and two-time Wimbledon champion, faced raised suspicions about his crowd-engaging tactics following a 13-word comment from Jannik Sinner’s coach, Simone Vagnozzi, after Alcaraz’s epic five-set victory in the 2025 French Open final. Vagnozzi told *La Gazzetta dello Sport* on June 22, “Alcaraz was very clever in seeking people’s support and managed it well,” suggesting the Spaniard strategically leveraged the Roland Garros crowd to shift momentum, per *Express.co.uk*. The remark sparked debate about Alcaraz’s ability to thrive under pressure, particularly in his 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) comeback against Sinner, saving three championship points, per *The Athletic*.
Vagnozzi’s comment highlighted Alcaraz’s knack for rallying the crowd, a tactic that proved pivotal when trailing 0-40 at 3-5 in the fourth set, per *The Guardian*. Alcaraz’s animated celebrations and gestures, like fist pumps and pointing to his ear, energized the Paris crowd, which chanted “Carlos, Carlos,” echoing the 2008 Federer-Nadal Wimbledon final, per *The Athletic*. Vagnozzi clarified, “The crowd was key to boosting Alcaraz, but not to penalize Jannik,” emphasizing that Sinner’s three unforced errors on those championship points were human, not crowd-driven, per *Express.co.uk*. Sinner, who faced crowd scrutiny after a 2024 doping suspension, remained composed, per *The Mirror US*.
At Wimbledon, starting June 30, Alcaraz faces Fabio Fognini in the first round, with a potential fourth-round clash against Sinner, who opens against Dominik Koepfer, per *Sky Sports*. Alcaraz’s crowd engagement, seen in his recent Centre Court practice with Djokovic, could again be a factor, per *Express.co.uk*. Fans on X, like @Welovetennis, echoed Vagnozzi’s sentiment, noting Alcaraz’s “mental edge,” while @TennisFanUK praised his “showmanship.” Toni Nadal, Rafael’s former coach, told *La Gazzetta dello Sport*, “Carlos is mentally superior in decisive moments,” reinforcing Alcaraz’s clutch ability as he chases a third straight Wimbledon title, per *20mDeportes*.
