Watch: Carlos Alcaraz works hard on his comeback

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Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis sensation and four-time Grand Slam champion, is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for a triumphant return to the ATP Tour. After a groin injury forced him to withdraw from the 2025 Madrid Open, the 21-year-old world No. 3 has been spotted grinding through rigorous training sessions at the JC Ferrero-Equelite Academy in Villena, Spain. With the Italian Open and French Open looming, Alcaraz’s relentless work ethic and infectious positivity are fueling optimism for a dominant clay-court campaign, where he aims to defend his Roland Garros title.

The setback came during the Barcelona Open final on April 20, 2025, when Alcaraz felt discomfort in his left adductor muscle against Holger Rune. “At the start of the second set, everything was very intense, and I felt the adductor in my right leg was very strained,” he said post-match, initially mistaking the injury’s location. Medical tests later confirmed a small tear in his left adductor, requiring 10 to 12 days of rest before resuming light training. By April 30, Alcaraz received encouraging news: follow-up tests showed the injury had healed, and with precautionary taping from his physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno, he reported no pain. “I believe and trust that it won’t be anything serious,” he had said earlier, his optimism proving well-founded as he hit the courts again.

Recent footage from Murcia captures Alcaraz in full flight, training under the guidance of coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former world No. 1 and Roland Garros champion. The sessions, held at Real Sociedad Club de Campo Murcia, blend on-court drills with gym work, emphasizing the explosive athleticism that defines his game. Alcaraz’s regimen includes advanced techniques like inertia pulley exercises to boost serve velocity and medicine ball throws to enhance groundstroke power, methods he’s honed since his teenage years. His focus on short sprints and acceleration drills sharpens his court coverage, critical for clay’s demanding rallies. “I just knew that I had to do something else, play more aggressively,” Alcaraz said after his Monte-Carlo Masters comeback against Francisco Cerundolo, a mindset he’s carrying into his recovery.

The injury, while a setback, hasn’t dimmed Alcaraz’s spirit. Known for his mental resilience, nurtured by sports psychologist Josefina Cutillas from age eight, he’s tackling recovery with the same poise he displays in high-pressure matches. “We keep working to return to the maximum,” he posted on social media during his initial return to the courts in January 2023 after a hamstring injury, a mantra that resonates now. His team, including physical trainer Alberto Lledó and brother Álvaro as a hitting partner, has been instrumental in his rehabilitation. Moreno, praised by Alcaraz for managing pressure, emphasized the player’s work ethic: “If I had to highlight two strong points of Carlos, I would prefer his talent and the culture of effort he received from the team.”

Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a mix of brilliance and challenges. His Monte-Carlo Masters title, where he roared back from a set down to crush Cerundolo 3-6, 6-0, 6-1, marked his sixth Masters 1000 crown and first win at the prestigious event. Earlier, he claimed the Rotterdam title, outlasting Alex de Minaur in a three-set thriller. However, a groin injury hampered his Barcelona final, and illness contributed to a group-stage exit at the ATP Finals. With a 16-4 record this year, Alcaraz remains a clay-court titan, boasting 82 wins in 100 career clay matches.

As he eyes the Italian Open, set to begin May 6, Alcaraz’s training intensity suggests he’s nearing peak form. A final decision on his Rome participation is expected this weekend, with plans to travel Tuesday if recovery progresses. His clay pedigree—two Madrid titles, a Barcelona crown, and the 2024 French Open—makes him a favorite for Rome and Roland Garros. “I don’t want to get too far ahead, but I hope I shall be ready for the French Open,” he said after withdrawing from Madrid, a goal now within reach.

Beyond the court, Alcaraz’s charisma shines. A Real Madrid fan, he recently expressed confidence in their Champions League comeback against Arsenal, showcasing his passion for sports. His downtime includes chess and golf, hobbies that keep his mind sharp. As he trains in Murcia, where he’s a local hero, fans at La Manga Club, a hub that’s hosted Rafael Nadal and Juan Carlos Ferrero, have marveled at his dedication.

Alcaraz’s comeback is more than physical—it’s a testament to his unyielding drive. With Ferrero’s strategic insight and a supportive team, he’s poised to reclaim his clay-court throne. As the tennis world watches, the Spaniard’s latest training sessions signal one thing: “Carlitos” is back, and he’s ready to dazzle.

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