Ferrero, about Alcaraz's comeback: "It has been something completely unreal"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 8 Jun 2025 | 23.47

Ferrero, about Alcaraz's comeback: "It has been something completely unreal." Photo: Gettyimages

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While all tennis fans are still trying to process what happened in the Roland Garros final where Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner (4-7, 6-7(4) 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2) in a match that will go down in tennis history for many reasons. For Alcaraz's comeback, the three saved match points, the level of play from both, the mindset of the Spaniard, and the constant fight from the Italian. All of this led to the Murcian's second title in Paris and his fifth Grand Slam at 22 years old.

As everyone tries to make sense of it all, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz's coach, attended the press conference at the French tournament where he shared his perspective on what happened at Philippe Chatrier, his pupil's feat, the tactical variations they tried, and the great level of the Italian.

Seeking alternatives during Sinner's dominance

"We made tactical changes throughout the match. We started in one way and saw that Jannik had also done his homework and covered himself very well. So we had to change tactics and it took us longer than we would have liked. However, it is true that from the beginning Carlos was having his chances. When you are in the fourth set and about to head to the locker room, you try something more. It's challenging because during such a tense final against a player who doesn't step off the baseline, suggesting major changes to your player is difficult. We tried some small things to improve."

"What has improved the most is that, once recovered, he was 100% convinced that he had to go for the match after coming back from that situation and being two sets down; he connected very well with the audience, and from there, you all know what happened."

He has never doubted his player's commitment

"Carlos has always been a great fighter; he has never given up on a single ball. Since I have been his coach, he has never thrown away a match; he has always fought until the end, and we knew today would be no different. Today's situation was very challenging to maintain, but we knew he would fight until the end. I am surprised by what he has done because the situation was really tough."

Tense moment as Carlos served for the title

"At 5-4 in the fifth set, he experienced what everyone goes through. Closing out matches is very difficult, especially in a fifth set of a Grand Slam final. Almost every game in the fifth set, Sinner returned very well, and we knew that in the last game, if he didn't make first serves, Jannik would put pressure with the second serve. That's what happened, and Carlos couldn't sustain that level of play. When you are trailing, it's always more difficult because there are no other options."

Compassion for Sinner

"Obviously, today's situation is tough for Sinner. More than the numbers and the consecutive losses he has against Carlos, the situation he had in his hands, when it slips away like that, is very painful. I think it's challenging, but as the great champion he is, he will overcome it and give it his all at Wimbledon."

More epic than that US Open 2022 match

"I believe that, along with the US Open 2022 match, these have been the two most epic matches we have seen in terms of tennis, emotions, equality, tension, but maybe this one surpasses the US Open even more. I will have to watch it again because I enjoyed it live very little."

The mental strength this match will give Alcaraz

"I congratulated him and praised him for his fighting spirit, dedication, and belief throughout, which is what we ask of him as a team. What he has done is by no means simple; I have experienced it as a player, and I know how truly difficult it was for him today, and I am amazed. It was completely unreal considering the opponent, the situation he found himself in, and the challenge of playing against Sinner, who constantly pressures you and never gives you a moment's peace. And yet, nearly facing defeat, continuing to believe. Today, he has taken a step further in terms of mental strength, and I am sure this match will serve him well in the future. To believe more in himself in situations where he is not playing well or is losing, that fight and dedication will take him to many places," says Ferrero, who was still unaware of what he had witnessed in a Roland Garros final where two aliens made an appearance, but the Murcian raised the champion's trophy.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ferrero, sobre la remontada de Alcaraz: "Ha sido algo completamente irreal"