In a surprising revelation following Carlos Alcaraz’s recent defeat in the final, his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero has shed light on the emotional and mental pressures that may have cost the young Spaniard the championship.
According to Ferrero, Alcaraz not only bore the weight of national expectations, but also a deep personal commitment he had made before the match. “Carlos bore enormous pressure from his country, but more than that, he had made a promise to his fans: to donate 70% of the prize money to charity if he won,” Ferrero explained.
The promise, though admirable, became a heavy burden for the 21-year-old during the high-stakes match. “He wanted to give something back. That was always his intention. But the emotional weight of that promise may have affected his ability to stay focused,” the coach said.
Alcaraz, known for his humility and maturity both on and off the court, was visibly shaken by the defeat. However, in a gesture that has moved fans around the world, Ferrero confirmed that the tennis star still plans to donate a substantial portion of his earnings.
We hope people understand that in sports, as in life, there are moments of victory and moments of defeat. Carlos is still considering donating €1.5 million to support those in need, Ferrero stated.
This act of generosity has been praised by both fans and fellow athletes, many of whom have taken to social media to express their admiration for Alcaraz’s compassion and integrity.
Although he wasn’t able to lift the trophy this time, Carlos Alcaraz has once again demonstrated that true greatness extends far beyond the tennis court.