Carlos Alcaraz: Embracing Triumph and Growth After Roland Garros Victory
Carlos Alcaraz, the young tennis prodigy from El Palmar, Murcia, recently achieved a significant milestone by winning Roland Garros, thus completing the trio of major titles on dirt, grass, and cement surfaces. The 21-year-old, adorned in an elegant black suit, spoke with a raspy voice to a group of journalists, including representatives from EL PAÍS, the day after his momentous win. Despite his burgeoning success, those close to him affirm that Carlos, affectionately known as Carlitos, remains grounded and unchanged by his achievements.
Alcaraz's celebration was a modest affair, marked by dinner with family and friends who traveled from Murcia, where he allowed himself to indulge after the restrictions of the tournament. “We had to toast with some champagne, because it was the occasion,” he shared. Despite the festivities, he remains focused on his career, acknowledging comparisons to legends like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, but emphasizing his desire to continue growing and improving.
The Murcian highlights the importance of balancing work with enjoyment and taking moments to feel like a regular person, essential for a long-lasting career. He fondly recalls the emotional embrace with his family after his victory, underscoring the significance of cherishing such moments with loved ones. Reflecting on his journey, he admits to past struggles but acknowledges the progress made, particularly in handling the mental challenges of high-level competition.
In his post-match reflections, Alcaraz candidly spoke about dealing with a forearm injury that had caused uncertainty. Despite these hurdles, he triumphed over his fears, especially during pivotal moments like the semi-finals against Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz's determination and resilience were key factors in overcoming the physical and mental obstacles leading up to his victory.
Alcaraz has his sights set on future goals, including upcoming competitions in Queen’s and Wimbledon, and his debut at the Olympic Games—prioritizing Olympic gold as a significant aspiration. His passion for tennis is complemented by a healthy and supportive environment, contributing to his overall happiness and well-being. Life, as he puts it, currently smiles at him, and he remains grateful for the people around him and the ability to share his success with them.
- Alcaraz’s recent victory at Roland Garros marks him as one of the youngest players to win three Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces. Since his early days, he harbored dreams of winning in Paris, inspired by the feats of his compatriot, Rafael Nadal. His journey from a 12-year-old with aspirations to a 21-year-old champion is a testament to his dedication and love for the sport.
