Carlos Alcaraz still walking on air following French Open blockbuster

Alcaraz's fifth Grand Slam title came as he saved three match points and won a match that was hailed as one of the greatest of all-time, with the 22-year-old who pulled off a magical Roland Garros win now revealing he is 'in shock' as he reflects on his achievements.

Speaking as he prepares to return to action on grass courts in the HSBC Championships at London's Queen's Club, Alcaraz was in upbeat mood as he admits he has been looking at clips of his win against Sinner during his time away in Ibiza with his friends, celebrating the win over the last few days.

"I have seen a lot of videos from that match, that moment from match point down," he said.

"I still watch it sometimes and can't believe I came back from that moment. Sometimes it is difficult to realise that I am in this position, that I won Roland Garros. I still watch the videos and am still in shock sometimes."

Alcaraz was asked if he had a favourite win from his five Grand Slams and he admitted his first in 2022 at the US Open will always been important to him.

"The first one is always there. It's always special. It's gonna be always in your heart," he said.

"And this one, the second one, a lot of people told me that it was the best final they have ever seen."

There has been some debate over Alcaraz's decision to take some time away from tennis ahead of his campaign at the Queen's Club, but he is following a path he took a year ago after his first French Open win.

His coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and members of his team were not happy with his decision to walk away from the game after his 2024 Roland Garros success, but he is convinced it is the right decision.,

"I went to Ibiza again," added Alcaraz. "It was fun, but honestly, I was there more mentally than physically. I had fun, just three nights, three days, and I think that was more than enough.

"The craziest thing was probably staying out really late. I danced a bit, but nothing more than what a normal person would do.

"It's kind of the middle of the season. After the clay season, which is very intense, I think it's the perfect time to get away.

"My friends go every year, so I go too. It doesn't matter where. The point is to switch off mentally, recharge physically and come back ready for the grass season. After such a great but intense few weeks, having time to disconnect and have fun is really important for me."

Alcaraz is set to take on Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his opening match at Queen's Club, with potential clashes against Ben Shelton and Holger Rune on his agenda in a tournament that could see him meet Britian's Jack Draper in the final.

Draper beat Alcaraz at Queen's Club last year, but the two-time Wimbledon champion did win his first grass-court title at the event two years ago.

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