Carlos Alcaraz opens up on modest childhood: “We didn’t have big luxuries”

Carlos Alcaraz reflects on his childhood struggles in an emotional speech. The 4-time Grand Slam champion opened up about growing up in a “middle-class” family that couldn’t afford “big luxuries.”

The former World No. 1 rose to prominence at a young age, winning his first Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open at just 19 years old. He has been touted as the leading talent of his generation and the natural successor to the Big-3. The Spaniard has set his sights on surpassing the records of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic by the end of his career.

However, Alcaraz explained that his journey wasn’t easy, recalling a modest upbringing. “When I was a kid, we didn’t have big luxuries. But the small things make the difference. We came from a middle-class family where we had what was necessary. I was always happy with what I had,” he shared in a speech.

The 21-year-old recently launched his own exhibition in Murcia, Spain, titled “Con los pies en la tierra” (With your feet on the ground), which showcases his journey from childhood to success on the ATP Tour. “I was passionate about sport and tennis in particular, but it was a very normal childhood. Today we are here, feeling very lucky and grateful, and wanting to do our bit to get moving for children.”

Alcaraz finished the season ranked World No. 3, despite a remarkable summer in which he claimed the French Open and Wimbledon titles. He became the sixth player in history to achieve both titles in the same season, joining Rod Laver, Björn Borg, and the Big-3.

Recently, Alcaraz expressed his desire to capture the title at the upcoming Australian Open, which would make him the youngest player to complete a Career Grand Slam. “I am a very ambitious person, and I want to win the Australian Open to complete the Career Grand Slam.”

“I want 2025 to be even more exciting. Let’s say I want more. Australia is what I want to tattoo, even if my father doesn’t like it very much. Being champion there is my main goal for next season.”

Alcaraz will skip all pre-tournament events and head straight to Melbourne, where he will enter as the third seed, debuting in mid-January. His best result at the Australian Open so far is reaching the quarterfinals in 2024, where he fell to Alexander Zverev.

The Spaniard hopes to become the youngest player to achieve the Career Grand Slam. Nadal holds the current record at 24 years old, meaning Alcaraz has three editions of the Australian Open to surpass this milestone.