"Carlos Alcaraz was suffering, not doing all the things we've been talking"- Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero finds flaws in Spaniard's French Open final win
Carlos Alcaraz's coach Juan Carlos Ferrero has found flaws in the Spaniard's performance in the 2024 French Open final. Alcaraz won his maiden French Open title after defeating Ferrero's former pupil Alexander Zverev 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 on Sunday, June 9.
The Spaniard got off to the best possible start against World No. 4 Zverev, rarely allowing the German to settle in the first set. However, across the second and third sets, Alcaraz made multiple uncharacteristic errors as he tried to play elaborate shots, allowing Zverev to establish a two-sets-to-one advantage. The Spaniard also experienced cramps, which required him to receive treatment during breaks and changeovers.
Ultimately though, he rediscovered his best form when it mattered most, eventually going on to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires. However, after the final, Ferrero told Eurosport that he was nervous sitting in Alcaraz's box seeing the Spaniard's wayward display at times.
"Today was one of those matches that you're suffering all the time because I saw Carlos a little bit up and down, suffering too much, not doing all the things we've been talking in the locker room. But at the end I don't know how he could resist with the physical problems that he had and at the end, win the trophy," Ferrero told Eurosport. (0:27)
The former World No. 1 and 2003 French Open champion proceeded to say that Alcaraz is often guilty of wanting "to play too good". Ferrero added that the 21-year-old has to "slow down" sometimes to control matches better.
"It seems to me that sometimes he wants to play too good. He doesn't need to play all the time that incredible level he wants to. Sometimes, he needs to slow down a little bit, put two more, and then maybe go to the net, drop shot, but then come back, and stay more time, at the top level, mentally. Sometimes he's up and down and creates opportunities for the others that he doesn't need to," Ferrero added.
"Mental strength wins matches" - Carlos Alcaraz on 2024 French Open triumph
Despite Ferrero's concerns, Alcaraz himself admitted that his 2024 French Open success was an eye-opening experience for him. The now-three-time Grand Slam winner said during his post-match press conference that he does not always need to "play brilliantly" to win the biggest matches.
Instead, the key takeaway for him was that he could "win a lot" by playing intelligently.
"The lesson I have learned from this tournament is that mental strength wins matches. That is the lesson I have learned at Roland Garros. It is not necessary to play brilliantly, it is not necessary to play my best tennis or my version of tennis to win. Also you win a lot with your head," Alcaraz said.
With the 2024 French Open now done and dusted, Alcaraz and Ferrero's next goal would be to prepare the 21-year-old for his Wimbledon title defense. The Spaniard won the Wimbledon final last year after a five-set epic against Novak Djokovic. The 2024 Wimbledon Championships are slated to commence on Monday, July 1.