Carlos Alcaraz took the tennis world by storm with his explosive speed and infectious smile. Initially, he was just a promising teenager from Murcia, but he quickly evolved into a dominant force on the ATP Tour. Furthermore, his rivalry with legends like Novak Djokovic has produced some of the most exciting matches in recent history. Consequently, he has already secured his place among the greats despite his young age. Explore these fascinating details about the Spanish sensation.
Carlos Alcaraz
He lives by his grandfather’s simple motto. Specifically, he focuses on “Cabeza, corazón y cojones,” which translates to “Head, heart, and balls.” Therefore, he often repeats this mantra during tough matches to stay grounded and fighting.
Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest World Number One in history. Remarkably, he ascended to the top spot at the age of 19 years, 4 months, and 7 days after winning the US Open in 2022. Thus, he broke the previous record held by Australian legend Lleyton Hewitt.
Interestingly, he plays chess to improve his tennis game. He believes the strategy and focus required on the chessboard help him anticipate his opponent’s moves on the court. Consequently, he often plays a game before matches to sharpen his mind.
He is a die-hard Real Madrid fan. Passionately, he supports the Spanish football giants and attends matches at the Santiago Bernabéu whenever his schedule allows. Moreover, the club president personally gifted him a commemorative jersey to celebrate his victories.
His friends and family call him “Carlitos.” Although the world knows him as Carlos, he prefers the affectionate nickname that he grew up with. He once stated that calling him “Carlos” makes him feel like he is in trouble.
He received his driving license just as he became a superstar. Humorously, he passed the test around the same time he was breaking into the top rankings. However, his parents did not let him buy a flashy sports car immediately, insisting he stay humble.
Juan Carlos Ferrero is much more than just his coach. The former World Number One treats Alcaraz like a son and has guided him since he was 15 years old. Tragically, Alcaraz won his first Masters title in Miami just days after Ferrero’s father passed away, dedicating the emotional win to him.
He signed his first sponsorship deal at age ten. Recognizing his prodigious talent, the racket company Babolat secured him to a contract while he was still a child. Therefore, he has used their equipment for his entire professional journey.
Carlos Alcaraz loves taking naps before matches. He considers sleeping a vital part of his pre-match routine to ensure his energy levels are peaked. Sometimes, he naps just hours before stepping onto the biggest stages in the world.
He became the first teenager to beat Nadal and Djokovic in the same tournament. Astonishingly, he defeated the two legends on back-to-back days at the Madrid Open in 2022. This feat signaled the official arrival of the next generation in men’s tennis.
He has a tattoo of his grandfather’s motto on his arm. Permanently, he inked the “CCC” on his forearm to keep the advice close to him. Additionally, he has the date of his first US Open victory tattooed above his elbow.
His favorite movie is Rocky Balboa. He finds inspiration in the story of the underdog boxer who never gives up. Consequently, he often listens to the movie’s soundtrack, “Eye of the Tiger,” to pump himself up before competing.
He enjoys playing golf in his spare time. Like his idol Rafael Nadal, he finds the sport to be a relaxing escape from the intensity of tennis. However, he admits that his golf skills are nowhere near as good as his forehand.
He became the second man in the Open Era to win his first four Grand Slam finals. Impressively, he displayed nerves of steel to win the US Open, Wimbledon (twice), and the French Open without losing a final. This efficiency in big moments separates him from many of his peers.
Finally, he keeps his trophies in his parents’ living room. Despite his millions in prize money, he remains very close to his family and keeps his awards at their home in El Palmar. This humble grounding helps him navigate the pressures of global fame.
