At just 17 years old, Carlos Alcaraz has already made a name for himself in the world of tennis. The Spanish prodigy has been making waves on the court, impressing fans and experts alike with his incredible talent and determination. However, behind his success lies a simple yet powerful remedy – quality time with family.
In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, ahead of Wimbledon in 2024, Alcaraz opened up about his go-to remedy after tough tournaments. He revealed that no matter the outcome, whether he wins or loses, his first instinct is to head home and spend time with his loved ones.
“I live with my family in Murcia, and when I finish a tournament, it doesn’t matter if I win or not, I just want to get home to be with them,” Alcaraz shared.
This may come as a surprise to many, as the life of a professional athlete is often portrayed as glamorous and fast-paced, with little time for anything else. But for Alcaraz, family is everything, and he credits them for his success on and off the court.
Growing up in a close-knit family, Alcaraz has always been surrounded by love and support. His parents, who are both former tennis players, recognized his talent at a young age and have been his biggest supporters and coaches. They have been by his side every step of the way, nurturing his passion for the sport and helping him reach his full potential.
In fact, Alcaraz’s father, Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former world number one and French Open champion, has been a major influence in his son’s career. He has been coaching Alcaraz since he was just five years old and has played a crucial role in shaping him into the player he is today.
“I owe everything to my parents. They have been my coaches, my mentors, my everything. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Alcaraz said.
But it’s not just his parents who have been a source of support for Alcaraz. He also has a close relationship with his two younger sisters, who he describes as his “biggest fans.” They have been a constant source of motivation and inspiration for him, and he always looks forward to spending time with them after a grueling tournament.
After a tough loss at the Miami Open earlier this year, Alcaraz wasted no time in heading back home to Murcia to be with his family. He admits that the defeat was hard to swallow, but being with his loved ones helped him put things into perspective and move on.
“I was disappointed with my performance at the Miami Open, but being back home with my family helped me recharge and refocus. They reminded me that there is more to life than just tennis, and that gave me the strength to bounce back,” Alcaraz shared.
And bounce back he did. In his next tournament, the Mexican Open, Alcaraz showed no signs of defeat and went on to win his first ATP title, becoming the youngest champion in 13 years. But for Alcaraz, the victory was not just about the title; it was about the journey and the support of his family that made it all possible.
As a rising star in the world of tennis, Alcaraz’s schedule is packed with tournaments and training sessions. But he always makes sure to take breaks and spend quality time with his family. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a home-cooked meal, or a game of tennis with his sisters, Alcaraz cherishes these moments and believes they are essential for his well-being and success.
In fact, Alcaraz’s love for his family extends beyond his immediate relatives. He often talks about the importance of his Mexican roots, and how he feels a strong connection to his heritage. He even credits his Mexican heritage for his fiery on-court persona and his love for the sport.
During his recent trip to Mexico for the Mexican Open, Alcaraz soaked in the vibrant culture and embraced his roots. He spent time with his extended family, visited local markets, and even learned to cook traditional Mexican dishes. It was a refreshing break from the intense world of professional tennis, and Alcaraz returned to the court feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on new challenges.
As Alcaraz continues to make a name for himself in the world of tennis, his family will always be his number one priority. They are his support