“I don’t see him as a role model in tennis”: Jaime Alcaraz reflects on progress amid comparisons with brother

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 06:30

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Jaime Alcaraz continues to build his profile on the junior circuit, securing the under-15 title at the Murcia Challenger and reinforcing his status as one of Spain’s most promising young players. Competing in the tournament’s junior category, the 14-year-old delivered a composed and efficient performance to close out the week with a trophy.

He capped his run with a dominant victory over Rodrigo Burgos in the final, dropping just three games and controlling the match from the baseline. The win came in the same event where Pablo Carreño Busta lifted the main Challenger title, placing Jaime alongside established names in the tournament environment despite competing in the U15 division.

The result adds to a steady progression over the past few seasons. In 2023, he won a Rafa Nadal Tour event in Madrid at just 11 years old, and he has since featured in high-level junior competitions such as Les Petit As. His development has followed a structured path, gradually increasing the level of competition without accelerating the timeline unnecessarily.

The Murcia title also arrives in a week where Carlos Alcaraz’s run at the Miami Open ended earlier than expected, meaning the family still had reason to celebrate with silverware coming from the younger brother’s performance.

“I don’t pay attention to comparisons”: Jaime outlines his mindset and progress

Jaime addressed the comparisons with his brother directly, making clear that they do not influence his approach. “I don’t pay attention to people comparing me with my brother,” he said. “For me, Carlitos is just a brother. I don’t see him as a role model in tennis.”

He also reflected on his performance in Murcia, acknowledging both the physical challenge and his overall level. “No match is easy, but I felt good. At the beginning my ankle was hurting because I’m a bit injured, but I played very well,” he said. “Little by little, I’m maturing as a player and as a person, which makes me very happy.”

Despite the discomfort, he managed the match effectively, maintaining consistency and limiting errors to keep control of the scoreboard. His ability to close points and sustain pressure was evident throughout the final, particularly in key games where he avoided giving his opponent opportunities to shift momentum.

His long-term perspective remains clear. “There is no rush; I’m improving gradually,” he added, reinforcing a measured approach to his development.

Carlos Alcaraz closes Miami campaign and turns to Monte Carlo clay swing

Carlos Alcaraz ended his run at the Miami Open with a third-round loss to Sebastian Korda, marking his second consecutive year exiting the tournament before the second week. The Spaniard had previously reached the latter stages in earlier editions but has not matched those results in South Florida over the past two seasons.

The result follows a semi-final appearance at Indian Wells, where he was defeated by Daniil Medvedev. Despite those setbacks, Alcaraz maintains a 17–2 record in 2026, having opened the season with 16 consecutive wins. His results place him among the most consistent players on the ATP Tour through the first months of the year.

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Attention now shifts to the clay-court season, beginning with the Monte Carlo Masters. Alcaraz enters the event as the defending champion, having won the title in 2025 as part of a strong run on the surface. During that stretch, he also claimed titles in Rome and Roland Garros, compiling a 22–1 record across the clay swing.

Monte Carlo will mark the start of a period where Alcaraz has significant ranking points to defend. The upcoming weeks on clay are expected to shape his position at the top of the ATP rankings and define the next phase of his 2026 season.

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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