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.
“I was always happy with what I had”
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.
Carlos Alcaraz won his second Wimbledon title after beating Novak Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 7-6.
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.”
Read also
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.
Estamos muy ilusionados con "Los pies en la tierra" una exposición
— Fundación Alcaraz (@FundacionCAG) November 29, 2024
sobre la importancia de la igualdad de oportunidades en la infancia en la que podréis encontrar juegos, trofeos, equipaciones y más sorpresas de la trayectoria profesional de Carlos Alcaraz.#lospiesenlatierra pic.twitter.com/vH2zlq5lRR
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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