Home / ENTERTAIMENT / How Carlos Alcaraz spent the day preparing for his fourth-round clash at Roland Garros | ATP Tour

How Carlos Alcaraz spent the day preparing for his fourth-round clash at Roland Garros | ATP Tour

How Carlos Alcaraz spent the day preparing for his fourth-round clash at Roland Garros | ATP Tour
How Carlos Alcaraz spent the day preparing for his fourth-round clash at Roland Garros | ATP Tour


Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion at Roland Garros, is not just known for his incredible acumen on the court, but also for how he navigates the rigorous challenges of a Grand Slam tournament, specifically when preparing for pivotal matches. After a hard-fought third-round battle against Damir Dzumhur, which lasted over three hours, Alcaraz faced a long night filled with post-match commitments. Completing his media circuit by around 3:00 AM, the young Spaniard returned to his hotel in Paris, fuelled himself with a hearty dinner, and embarked on a recovery routine with his physio, Juanjo Moreno.

Recognizing the toll that such a match can take, Alcaraz and his team made a strategic decision to forgo practice on the following day. This choice, to prioritize rest over training, showcases the maturity of a player who understands the importance of recovery in the demanding landscape of professional tennis. As he prepared for his upcoming showdown against Ben Shelton in the fourth round, the Spaniard knew that proper recovery was key to maintaining peak physical performance.

The following morning, Alcaraz took a well-deserved late wake-up, easing into his day with a workout in the hotel gym. He was accompanied by his fitness coach, Alberto Lledo, who has played an integral role in developing Alcaraz’s physical conditioning. This morning session was crucial for unwinding the body after a taxing match and ensuring muscle relaxation—a typical component of his preparation routine.

On tournament days, Alcaraz doesn’t merely focus on fitness; he also captures opportunities to experience the beauty of Paris, often using moments between matches to explore the city. Known for visiting iconic spots such as the Palace of Versailles and Jardin du Luxembourg in previous tournaments, Alcaraz continued this tradition on his day off. This time, he strolled through the picturesque Pont Alexandre III, a landmark known for its stunning architecture and vibrant surroundings.

These excursions serve more than just a recreational purpose; they provide Alcaraz with invaluable “Vitamin N,” a concept promoted by his physio that emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature. Engaging with the elements and taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Paris helps rejuvenate the mind and spirit, allowing him to return to the heavy pressures of competitive play with renewed focus and vigor.

As evening approached, Alcaraz was eagerly looking forward to a significant sports event—the Champions League final featuring Paris Saint Germain and Inter Milan. His admiration for PSG is well-known, and he has had the opportunity to meet several players during his stay, including Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele. Such moments reinforce Alcaraz’s connection to the city and its sporting culture, enriching his overall experience during the tournament.

The clash against Ben Shelton was set to take place on Sunday, and Alcaraz prepared mentally for what promises to be an exciting encounter. With a solid 2-0 lead in their career head-to-head meetings, Alcaraz is confident but respectful of his opponent’s growing prowess, particularly on clay surfaces. “He’s a very aggressive player,” Alcaraz noted. “I think it’ll be interesting to play him again.”

His analytical approach towards not only his opponent but also his own performance reflects a maturing mindset. Alcaraz is committed to learning from past matches and improving on areas that need work, while also maintaining the strengths that have propelled him to the top of the ATP rankings. “We’ll try not to let him take control of the match, and we’ll try to play our own tennis,” he stated, emphasizing the strategic aspect of his game.

With a remarkable 21-3 record at Roland Garros, Alcaraz enters the match as a seasoned competitor and build his trajectory on the court with resilience and skill. His previous victory against Alexander Zverev in the finals last year remains a poignant reminder of his capabilities and drive—qualities that serve as significant assets as he aims for another deep run in the tournament.

In sum, Carlos Alcaraz’s preparations leading up to his fourth-round clash at Roland Garros reflect a holistic approach that combines physical recovery, mental preparation, and engagement with the vibrant culture of Paris. These elements not only enhance his readiness for competition but also contribute to his continual growth as a player. As he steps onto the court to face Shelton, fans can expect not only a display of athletic prowess but a clash underscored by strategy and resilience, hallmarks of what makes Alcaraz a standout star in the world of tennis.

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