Alcaraz: 'A very special place for me'

It’s already been a year since you won Roland-Garros. Has it sunk in yet?

I’ve had time to think about it, yes, and realise I won Roland-Garros, then Wimbledon. It’s incredible to be back here in Paris, especially now I have all these great memories.

What is your relationship with Roland-Garros, firstly as a fan when you were a boy, and now as champion?

Roland-Garros is a very special place for me. Obviously, I watched many Spanish players do well here, including Rafa Nadal, of course. As a kid, I remember hurrying home from school to turn on the TV with one thing in mind – spending the afternoon watching the tennis. When I was 11, I played my first tournament at Roland-Garros. Then we could go and watch some matches, and if I remember rightly, the first player I saw was Richard Gasquet. I remember saying to myself back then, “one day, that’ll be me. One day, I’ll play here at Roland-Garros”. A few years later, in qualifying, I lost in the first round [defeat to Aleksandar Vukic in 2020]. I came back, played the qualifiers again and was lucky enough to get into the main draw. After that, I built up experience, enjoyed some unforgettable moments on court, and last year won in the final. It was incredible, a dream come true. I always wanted to win Roland-Garros.

You’re only 22 and have already achieved so much. What is it about you that has made it possible to reach this level?

I’ve worked really, really hard to get here. You have to have talent, obviously, but that doesn’t get you anywhere if you don’t put in the work. For years I worked, sacrificed so much when I was younger to reach my goal, achieve my dreams and become a professional tennis player. I think the secret is to invest all the necessary time and energy on the court and grow up with the best possible people around you. It really helps if you’ve got good people around you and I think I’ve done that well. I work with great people, really professional, who help me become a better player and a better person. My parents played a key role too, of course.

You’ve had some ups and downs, and overcome some big challenges too. What helped you the most in those times?

My friends and family. They are always there for me when I need. They’ve been there when it really mattered. They’ve been a calming influence. It’s so important, so helpful. It is essential to surround yourself with the right people when you’re struggling. When I’ve been down, when I’ve lost matches I really wanted to win, it’s like a slap in the face. But thanks to the support of my friends and family, I’ve always been able to say, “Ok, I’m living my childhood dream. There’s no need to get angry, no time to lose with frustration. Just keep going and enjoy living the present moment.” That’s my mentality, and that’s a lot down to my friends and family.

Let’s talk about Rafael Nadal. You played together at the Olympic Games and he has always been one of your favourite players. What is it you admire most about him?

His game, the way he is on court, his mentality, his love of the game. Rafa is an exceptional person, really humble. When you meet him for the first time he’s just like you and me. It was incredible to be so close to my idol, to learn from him and spend time with him as a person. It was an exceptional experience.

What did you learn from him?

The way he approaches a match, the passion with which he plays each tie and how he prepares too. Playing doubles with him, I also learned how he managed certain situations and handled pressure. That will be really helpful to me throughout my career. He has been one of the best ambassadors for tennis and I think his legacy will last forever. He was probably one of the players who put tennis at the pinnacle of sport, the pinnacle of the world. It was amazing to have Rafa in tennis at this time in my life.

A few months after your first title at Roland-Garros, you won Olympic silver in the singles. How were the Games for you?

I wanted to take part in the Olympics, see what it was like, how it feels to represent your country. It was an extra source of motivation. And, of course, the fact it was in Paris a few months after I won here just made it even more special for me. Playing again on the Philippe-Chatrier court, but this time with the Spanish flag on my chest, was a truly unforgettable experience for me. It was a moment I will hold in my heart forever.

How do you feel about playing on clay?

I can’t say it’s my favourite surface (laughs). Hard courts are probably my favourite, but I grew up playing on clay. When I started out, I only ever wanted to play on clay. I didn’t set foot on a hard court before I was about 11 or 12! Clay is always special for Spanish players. I’ve managed to raise my game on clay, I feel good and my game suits the surface. I enjoy every match on clay and when the clay season ends and we move to grass, I really miss it.

One last question about your coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. He won Roland-Garros when you were just a few weeks old (in 2003). Have you seen anything of his victory in Paris?

Yes, I’ve seen a few photos, and video highlights of his matches too, but not that much really. From what I’ve heard from other players, he was really good, solid behind the base line. A really good returner too, but I think his greatest skill was how he moved; he moved really well and sometimes I think I’d love to have a game like his. I think he was a more complete player than I am right now.

For more stories, interviews and lots of other content find the Roland-Garros 2025 Magazine on the official shop website