Alcaraz explains his mental transformation: "I couldn't control the nerves"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 18 May 2025 | 21.48

Carlos Alcaraz in press conference after becoming champion at ATP Rome 2025. Photo: Getty

Streaming ATP Rome live tennis

🎾 Jannik Sinner vs Sebastian Ofner

Sign up with Bet365 here
Make your first deposit of at least €5
Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

After a couple of weeks battling an unexpected injury and facing all the negative criticism surrounding his Netflix documentary, Carlos Alcaraz demonstrated at the ATP Rome 2025 that he does not lower the bar. The Spaniard, besides winning the Italian Masters 1000 trophy, a major title he had yet to conquer on clay, regained the second spot in the ATP Ranking surpassing Alexander Zverev.

In two sets and without much speculation, the Murcian defeated Jannik Sinner in the final of the Roman tournament, making it very clear that he remains the best player on the surface and has no intention of relinquishing ground. A strong statement also for Roland Garros, the Grand Slam he enters after victories in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome, achieving a 100% win rate on clay.

Proud of a high-level match

"Today we both showed a high level, especially in the first set. It was very tight, with set points against me. I knew from the start that all matches against Jannik are very tactical. I started very well, from the first to the last ball. I didn't lose focus, which was very good on my part. Probably one of the best matches I've played so far in terms of level. I am very proud of that," Alcaraz stated in a press conference.

Tactical keys to the showdown with Sinner

"We have played several matches on all surfaces against Jannik, on all three. I know how I have to play him. I have to be prepared and think clearly every time I play a point or a game. I have to consider what I need to do if I fail to stay on the same path. I knew what I had to do from the beginning and maintained the strategy throughout the match."

A dangerous rival at Roland Garros

"I know the first tournament after a long time without matches is always complicated. I can't imagine how tough it must have been for him because I'm not in his place. I would lie if I said I understood him; I've never been in the position of being healthy, physically prepared, and unable to play a match. The level he played at this tournament was insane after three months off. That's something I respect about him.

I'm sure he will improve even more. He will get better this week of training. He will feel better if he wins Roland Garros or reaches far. He will be dangerous, a very dangerous rival in Paris. We will be in different parts of the draw, so we'll see. I'm sure he will feel better at Roland Garros."

A special rivalry

"He is the best player in the world, no matter that he was out for three months. In every tournament he enters, he plays well. The numbers prove it. He wins almost every match he plays, which is why I'm even more focused when facing him. If I don't play at my best level, it will be impossible to beat him. It's a different feeling, he has an aura. I won't say I feel like when Rafa and Roger faced each other, but I sense a different energy when we play compared to other players."

From Monte Carlo to Rome

"Honestly, right now I feel completely different. I approach the matches in a different way, something I'm very proud of. I found the right path again. Before, during matches, I used to get very nervous, couldn't control those nerves as well as I do now. I focused on things that weren't important, about the results, that I had to win. Right now, I approach it completely differently. I am happy, proud of what I am experiencing."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz explica su transformación mental: "No era capaz de controlar los nervios"