Carlos Alcaraz has claimed going nightclubbing in Ibiza gave him the needed break before bidding to retain his Wimbledon title.
The Spanish superstar completed the third leg of his career Grand Slam by winning the French Open last Sunday.
And last week it was confirmed he will partner his “idol” Rafa Nadal in the doubles at the Paris Olympics.
And Alcaraz, 21, said his break in the Balearics was essential before starting his grasscourt campaign at the Cinch Championships at Queen’s Club this week.
The Wimbledon champion, who only arrived in London on Saturday, smiled: “I had a few days off and I went to Ibiza with a group of friends. I went to nightclubs and I enjoyed doing karaoke. I had fun, enjoyed my time, my days off, it was a great time to celebrate Roland Garros and I just had fun.
“For me, as a player, I need this kind of thing. Every player is different but for me to reach my best tennis, I have to separate the professional part and the personal part. Sometimes I have my days off just to enjoy, just to forget a little bit that I am a professional tennis player.
“Thinking about my personal part, being with friends and my family, stay calm and rest a little bit, put my racquets down a little bit, for me it helped me a lot to come here hungry and to practise and play matches. It was a really helpful time for me.”
Alcaraz won his first grasscourt title at Queen’s Club last year before claiming the Wimbledon title. “Right now my focus is on the grass,” he said.
But the Spaniard is also looking forward to teaming up with Nadal in Paris. “I feel really, really happy to play doubles at the Olympics with my idol,” he said. “It is a great opportunity as a player. I didn’t expect to play in the Olympics with Rafa, it is a unique moment for me, I am really, really happy about it.
“I couldn’t play as much double as I wanted. I think the last one was in 2022. But I love playing doubles. It’s the kind of play I love – different shots, volleys, playing with a partner, usually he’s your friend. For me it’s great, i am excited to play doubles even more playing with Rafa.
“I think I will be ready. With just a few practice sessions, I think i will be ready to find my good style in doubles, hopefully a great thing with Rafa. Let’s see how it will be, it will be a great time.”
Alcaraz will play his first match at Queen’s Club against Francisco Cerundolo – who lost to injured Novak Djokovic in five sets in Paris – and then the winner of Jack Draper or Mariano Navone in the second round.
