After his stinging defeat in the Wimbledon 2025 final against Jannik Sinner on July 13, Carlos Alcaraz had to face an avalanche of criticism and mockery that rocked the world of tennis. The 22-year-old Spaniard, champion two consecutive years, lost 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to the fierce game of the Italian, ending his hopes as a triple historical title. Fans and experts quickly questioned its form, some qualifying this defeat as a vulnerability sign. But faced with this outcry, coach Juan Carlos Ferrero launched a sincere appeal that upset the situation and aroused a tidal wave of empathy. His words-“Have we really come to the point where a champion like Carlos can no longer have a bad day?” Do not put too much pressure on him, he brings the weight of an entire nation to his shoulders ”-hit the bull’s eye, leaving the supporters to tears and Alcaraz himself visibly moved.
This defeat strongly contrasts with the recent exploits of Alcaraz. Five weeks earlier, he had drew a delay in two sets to defeat Sinner in a marathon final in Roland-Garros, saving three championship balls thanks to a demonstration of pure will. However, on the sacred lawn of the short center, the resilience of Sinner, reinforced by its recovery following a controversy on doping earlier in the year, turned out to be too strong. Alcaraz’s difficulties with its first service (53 % success) and Sinner’s domination at the bottom of the short, revealed flaws, fueling virulent discussions online. Comments such as “Alcaraz is slipping” and “Spain deserves better” have flooded social networks, accentuating pressure on the young star.
Ferrero, a former world number one and Alcaraz mentor since her adolescence, has refused to let the hellish spiral continue. During a press conference on July 21, 2025 at 3:38 p.m. +07, he defended his protégé with lively emotion. “Have we really reached the point where a champion like Carlos can no longer have a bad day?” He asked, the voice posed but tinged with frustration. “He is 22 years old, he is human, and he carries the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders. Let’s not forget the battles he won: Wimbledon twice, Roland-Garros twice, the US Open. This defeat does not define it. His call for compassion found a deep echo, X fans echoed his feeling, much admitting to having been too quick to judge him.
The reaction was immediate and shattering. Fans have flooded the platforms of support messages, one of them having become a trend: “Ferrero is right! Carlos is our hero, not our robot! Others praised Alcaraz’s grace in defeat, recalling how he had applauded the victory of Sinner and mentioned the intensification of their rivalry. The wave of empathy even reached the Spanish national team, which would have dedicated its recent victory at Euro 2025 in Alcaraz, a symbol of national solidarity. Ferrero’s words also underlined the intense surveillance which Alcaraz is subject to Spanish tennis icon, a burden formerly carried by Rafael Nadal, whose retreat in 2024 left a void that Alcaraz was supposed to fill instantly.
Alcaraz’s reaction has added an emotional dimension to history. During a training session later during the day, cameras filmed it wiping tears by addressing journalists. “Hearing Juan say that … that means everything,” he said, the voice broken. “I felt the pressure, of course, but I also felt the love of my team and my country. I will come back stronger. His vulnerability has touched a sensitive string, the fans marveling with his maturity. Some have speculated that these criticisms came from unrealistic expectations, given its perfect 5-0 assessment in the Grand Slam final before this defeat. Others highlighted the Sinner’s journey-overcome a doping suspension and a love sorrow in Roland Garros-suggesting that the “bad day” of Alcaraz was part of a fluctuating rivalry.
On July 21, 2025 at 3:38 p.m. +07, the world of tennis is in effervescence. Ferrero’s defense has gone from blame to support, and analysts predict that Alcaraz will use this situation as an argument for the US Open. The question “Have we really reached the point where a champion like Carlos can no longer have a bad day?” Persists, forcing fans to review their requirements. Alcaraz, with the weight of a nation but now reinforced by empathy, is at the crossroads: its determination in tears suggests a return which could redefine its heritage. This momentum of affection suggests that Spain and the world tennis community are ready to support it, and not to demolish it.
