Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old world No. 2, revealed he remains “in shock” over his dramatic French Open 2025 victory as he prepares to return to action at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club, London, starting June 16, 2025. Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference, Alcaraz reflected on his epic five-set win over Jannik Sinner (4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2)) in the longest Roland Garros men’s final in Open Era history, lasting 5 hours and 29 minutes. “I still watch the videos and am still in shock sometimes,” he said, noting he saved three match points while trailing 3-5 in the fourth set, per Tennis365.
Reflecting on a Historic Win
Alcaraz’s fifth Grand Slam title, secured on June 8, 2025, marked his second consecutive Roland Garros crown and made him the first man in the Open Era to save three match points to win a Grand Slam final, per Tennis.com. The victory, which snapped Sinner’s 26-match win streak, saw Alcaraz rally from two sets down for the first time in his career, cementing his 5-0 record in major finals, per Roland Garros. “I can’t believe I came back from that moment,” he told reporters, admitting he rewatches clips of the match point saves, per ATP Tour.
Ibiza Break and Mental Reset
Following the intense clay season, where he also won Monte-Carlo and Rome Masters titles, Alcaraz took a three-day trip to Ibiza to recharge. “It was fun, but honestly, I was there more mentally than physically,” he said, describing late nights dancing as the “craziest” activity. “After the clay season, which is very intense, it’s the perfect time to get away,” he explained, defending the break despite his team’s initial reservations, per Tennis365. The trip, a repeat of his 2024 post-Roland Garros routine, helped him “switch off mentally” for the grass season, per ATP Tour.
Queen’s Club Return and Wimbledon Prep
Alcaraz, the 2023 Queen’s champion, faces Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his first-round match at the ATP 500 event, per ATP Tour. His 6-1 record at Queen’s and back-to-back Wimbledon titles (2023, 2024) make him a favorite, though a 2024 second-round loss to Jack Draper (7-6, 6-3) serves as a reminder of grass-court challenges, per LTA. “Lifting the title two years ago gave me the belief to win Wimbledon,” Alcaraz said, aiming to join legends like Andy Murray in winning Queen’s multiple times, per LTA.
Challenges and Mindset
Despite his 37-5 record in 2025 and 88.1% win rate, Alcaraz has faced mental hurdles, admitting to feeling “screwed” mentally after a Miami Open loss to David Goffin in March, per Tennis365. His candidness about pressure, shared in an April interview with MARCA, underscores his growth: “The pressure now is wanting to make people happy,” per @TheTennisLetter. As he eyes a third Wimbledon title, Alcaraz’s shock at his own achievements fuels his ambition to surpass the Big 3’s Grand Slam hauls, per Tennis365.
