Carlos Alcaraz takes a moment for a tennis break, focusing on physical recovery. It is a quiet home day with family, a chance to stroll through Wimbledon Park and consult with the technical team as the final at Wimbledon looms this Sunday at 3:00 PM, broadcast on Movistar.
“Do what we do and try to isolate yourself from those who are waiting for you”, advised Juan Carlos Ferrero to Spanish reporters in a small room at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The former world No. 1 stays cautious yet hopeful about the upcoming final, considering the weight of pressure and the intense atmosphere at Wimbledon. “The key is to make him play calmly. He has to be Carlos, play, and enjoy. This is what you must do well, and you fight to the end.”
Roland Garros experience
The memory of defeat at Roland Garros remains with him, and as Alcaraz notes, “You learn from that experience, manage your time better, and avoid more tension or anger, even in a Grand Slam final. Wimbledon is a place where few players can stay truly calm on court.” Ferrero echoes the sentiment, stressing the mental balance required in such moments.
Djokovic’s statistics can intimidate anyone. The enduring No. 1 stands out, yet Ferrero warns against letting that history weigh on Alcaraz. “Djokovic is the greatest player in history, but he has two arms and two legs like the rest of us. If we inflate the challenge, it becomes impossible to beat him. Forget the past and the numbers. You can’t carry that backpack onto the court.”
Carlos Alcaraz beats Djokovic’s win percentage in ATP finals
Last tactic
Preparation for the clash remains tightly held by Ferrero and his team. “We know he is a complete player, proven with forehand, backhand, and serve; and mentally he thrives in these moments. Carlos has beaten him before, and what happened in Paris was only part of the story. He has both experiences and will aim to build on them for a third victory.” The coach and his squad emphasize that Alcaraz has crafted a tactical plan to meet whatever tomorrow brings.
Ferrero has coached in multiple encounters against Djokovic, including early battles when Djokovic was just starting out and later clashes at Wimbledon. Those matches feel distant now; the focus is on the present. “I talk about the situations that might emerge on court, about how to play him, and above all about what it would feel like to be in a final under pressure. I have helped him with that. He is a well-trained competitor who thrives in fast-paced moments, and tomorrow will mark another step in his growth.”
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The arms of the match are ready. The preparation is about balance, aggression, and composure—staying calm, reading the play, and seizing opportunities when they arise. Ferrero emphasizes that Alcaraz must make bold choices at crucial moments, risk a little when necessary, and maintain his unique style even under pressure. The aim is to maximize opportunity without sacrificing control, and the plan centers on staying true to what has brought him this far.
Keys to win
Ferrero believes Djokovic will need to play at a very high level to overcome Carlos. If the Spaniard plays with courage and exploits chances, he tends to grab the moments. In tense exchanges, the key is to trust his instincts and keep his game fluid. While there are moments when haste can creep in, the focus remains on staying bold and maintaining a steady rhythm. The emphasis is on tempo, accuracy, and staying true to the game plan, letting the match unfold rather than overthinking every point. The team has prepared him to navigate pressure, adapt to the pace of play, and respond with confidence in the critical moments. The attitude is to play boldly, rely on his strengths, and let his natural style carry him through tense rallies and big spots. This approach aligns with what has consistently helped him succeed on the biggest stages.