A DE ALCARAZ
He is the second son from the marriage of Carlos Alcaraz Garfia, born in El Palmar on May 5, 2003, and Virginia Garfia from Seville. His elder brother Álvaro joined the coaching staff, and two younger siblings, Sergio and Jaime, also play tennis. The family atmosphere around the sport shaped his early years and laid the groundwork for a remarkable career that would captivate fans across Spain and beyond.
FOR BARCELONA
Carlos Alcaraz, associated with the Barcelona Royal Tennis Club, celebrated a significant milestone last May by winning the Count of Godó’s top event. The victory marked a milestone, becoming a first-time triumph in nearly a full score of years and echoing a moment that Nadal himself had achieved just a little earlier, underscoring a new generation rising in Spanish tennis.
C FOR HEAD, HEART AND BALLS
Carlos Alcaraz Lerma is the paternal grandfather’s pride and a constant source of inspiration. He once served as secretary of a local pigeon shooting club, which later became part of the Country Club, and he routinely told his grandson that success comes from aligning head, heart, and hands. This philosophy shaped a family rooted in sports and persistent effort, with all three of his children picking up a racket early on.
FOR PERMISSION
The drop shot remains one of Alcaraz’s signature tricks, a weapon that used to catch opponents off guard and propel him to the net with precision. He once explained that he executes it with strategic intent, a mental block kept in check by the pressure of the moment and the clarity of his plan.
FOR EFFORT
A relentless work ethic defines Carlos Alcaraz. He is disciplined, hungry to train longer, and always ready to push past fatigue. When a session ends, he thanks the coaching staff for their guidance, underscoring a humble appreciation for the team that fuels his success.
F FOR FERRERO (JUAN CARLOS)
Juan Carlos Ferrero began coaching Carlos Alcaraz when the player was just sixteen. As director of Equelite Academy, Ferrero saw potential where others saw only a young talent. The bond between mentor and student grew into a deep, enduring trust, with Ferrero described by Alcaraz as a second father and a lifelong influence who remains indispensable in his journey.
FOR GRAND SLAM
The United States Open marked Alcaraz’s first Grand Slam title, making him the seventh-youngest winner in the history of the majors at nineteen years and four months. The record for the youngest is held by Michael Chang, who claimed Roland Garros in 1989 at seventeen years and three months, a standard that Alcaraz has begun to approach with his early triumphs.
H (EL) FOR ANTIER
The Murcia native is known for his appearances on popular television programs, including a famous stint on El Hormiguero. He shared stories of family, early car-buying negotiations, and the flurry of daily offers that followed his rise, reflecting the public attention that accompanies a rising star.
FROM INSTRAGRAM
The Instagram account @carlitosalcaraz exploded as fans followed every move. What began with tens of thousands of followers swelled to millions within a short span, establishing him as a regional social media influencer and a beacon for aspiring athletes in the Murcia area and beyond.
JUANJO (LOPEZ)
Dr. Juanjo Lopez, a Murcia-based physician with a long history in sports science, has closely monitored Alcaraz’s health since the start of his ascent. He recently shifted to private practice to dedicate more time to supporting the player, reflecting the high level of medical care that accompanies a top-tier athlete.
K FOR KIKO (NAVARRO)
Kiko Navarro, Alcaraz’s first coach, discovered the youngster at age nine and helped him begin a journey that would lead him to youth tournaments overseas. The coaching transition later brought Juan Carlos Ferrero into the picture, a change that would prove pivotal in the athlete’s development.
FOR PEACE
The Palmar community, including primary school teacher Loli Moreno, played a formative role in Carlos Alcaraz’s early training. This nurturing environment provided stability and encouragement as he learned the game and grew in confidence.
MOSCOW M
At fifteen, Alcaraz claimed the European under-16 title in Moscow, becoming the sixth Spaniard to win that championship. The achievement linked him with a lineage of champions and foreshadowed the global trajectory his career would soon take.
FOR NIKE
Nike identified Alcaraz early and signed him to a long-term contract before he captured major trophies. The brand has continued to support him as a leading tennis figure, joining a roster of great players who helped shape the sport’s modern era.
Ñ YOUR CHILD
When he turned professional, Alcaraz drew attention for precocious maturity beyond his years. He attracted the gaze of fans and analysts alike, as his approach to competition and training suggested a more seasoned player shedding the clichés of youth for a focused, competitive mindset.
OR OEIRAS
In May 2021, Alcaraz climbed the ranks by winning a Challenger event in Oeiras, Portugal, securing top-100 status at a very young age. He had already claimed victories in Trieste, Villena, and Barcelona within a year on the same circuit, signaling a rapid rise through the ranks.
pawn pawn
Chess has long been part of Alcaraz’s life. He enjoys the game, applying strategic thinking to the court—maneuvering pawns, queens, and bishops with the same calm, calculating focus he brings to his serves and returns. His grandfather Carlos, a frequent partner in play, helped cultivate this mental edge that complements athletic talent.
S FOR DEAR
Alcaraz possesses a knack for captivating crowds. From a young age he connected with spectators with an ease that felt almost instinctive, delivering performances that felt fresh and unforced even when the world’s attention was firmly on him.
R FOR QUEEN (SWEETS)
Alcaraz’s early sponsor, Alfonso Lopez, provided crucial support for his travels, including a trip to Croatia to compete in junior events. That backing helped him navigate the early stages of a demanding sport, allowing him to focus on growth and competition over logistics.
SEVIL
Virginia Garfia, Carlos Alcaraz’s mother, hails from Seville. Her family moved to Murcia during his childhood as his father was reassigned within his work. The ties to Seville, however, remain strong in the family’s story and continue to influence Carlos’s identity and connections within Spanish tennis.
T TARBES
In 2016, at the age of 13, Alcaraz qualified for a youth event in Tarbes, France. Though not the top performer that week, the experience contributed to his development and readiness for future opportunities on the international stage.
U of UMAG
The Umag tournament marked his first ATP 250 title run, a milestone that occurred after a period of adversity, including interruptions caused by the pandemic. The win added momentum to a career that would soon rise to global prominence.
FOR WAWRINKA
Stanislas Wawrinka was among the early veterans to acknowledge Alcaraz’s talent. He praised a player who could win on any surface and urged continued hard work and improvement, projecting success across the tour.
X FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Alcaraz stood out as the youngest participant in the Next Gen ATP Finals, a tournament gathering the world’s best under-21 players. He delivered a masterful performance, signaling his readiness to lead the next generation of the sport.
AND YATRA
Sebastián Yatra, the Colombian singer known for Red Heels, publicly expressed his admiration for Alcaraz after meeting him at the US Open. The two shared a moment of camaraderie on social media, illustrating the cross-cultural appeal of the rising star.
Z FOR ZIPI AND ZAPE
As a child, Alcaraz and his brother Álvaro were acquainted with Zipi and Zape, known from cartoons. A friendly football gathering before a tournament once led to a sprained ankle for the world number one, an early cautionary tale about balancing risk and recovery on the road to greatness.