Carlos Alcaraz is a Spanish professional tennis player, currently ranked world no.1, aged just 20. In only a matter of years, Alcaraz has risen through the ranks of world tennis lifting the US Open in 2022 and the Wimbledon Championships in 2023, to become one of the most exciting new tennis players in almost 20 years.
But how did he do it? And why are people referring to him as the next Roger Federer?
Read this guide to find out more about Carlos Alcaraz’s professional career, girlfriend and more.
In this Carlos Alcaraz Guide…
Carlos Alcaraz Quick Facts
| Name: | Carlos Alcaraz Garfia |
| Age (DoB): | 20 (5 May 2003) |
| Nationality: | Spanish |
| Birthplace: | El Palmar, Murcia, Spain |
| Height: | 6 feet 1 inch / 185 cm |
| Weight: | 11 st 7 lbs / 74 kg |
| Ranking: | 1 |
| Plays: | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Prize Money: | $9,133,865 (AU $14,574,077) |
| Instagram: | @carlitosalcarazz |
Who is Carlos Alcaraz?
Carlos Alcaraz Garfia is a Spanish professional tennis player, currently ranked No.1 in the world in men’s singles.
With a win in September at the 2022 US Open, he became the youngest ever world No.1 at 19 years old and the only male teenager to achieve this rank in the Open Era.
Following his victory in SW19 in July 2023, Alcaraz has lifted two Grand Slam titles and is showing signs of being the most complete tennis player on the professional ATP circuit.
Carlos took part in the Australian Open but suffered a leg injury during the game, prompting a temporary halt in his tennis career. During his break, the Calvin Klein ambassador delved into modeling for the brand, showcasing Calvin Klein Jeans. He came back with a bang at the Argentina Open, made it to the finals but didn’t win as his colleague, Djokernole snatched it. Being the ambassador for the sunscreen brand Isdin, which aligns perfectly with his profession, as he often spends extended hours under the scorching sun, he actively advertised for the brand. For leisure, he visited Rio De Janeiro then returned to playing at Indiana. He also enjoys ham a lot as he cooks them with his close friends once in a while.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Early Life
Carlos Alcaraz was born in El Palmar, Murcia, Spain on 5 May 2003. He started playing tennis at only four years old, influenced by his father who was once ranked in Spain’s Top 40. He also has three brothers, but little is known about them.
He started playing at his father’s tennis academy, before moving to be coached by former men’s No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero in 2018. Ferrero is still Alcaraz’s coach, and has undoubtedly played a huge role in his early success.
He has listed his heroes as fellow Spaniard and tennis legend, Rafael Nadal and his long-time rival Roger Federer. Not bad players to model your game around!
Carlos Alcaraz’s Professional Career
In 2018, the same year he joined up with Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz turned pro, at age 15. He played his first ATP event in 2020 in Rio De Janeiro. Little did he know within 2 years, he would be world No. 1.
Age 17, Alcaraz qualified for the 2021 Australian Open, making him the youngest participant in that year’s men’s singles. He was eliminated in the second round but showed great potential at such a young age.
Shortly after entering the top 100, Alcaraz won his first ATP singles event, defeating Richard Gasquet to claim the 2021 Croatia Open Umag. Later that year he also reached the quarter-final of the US Open, when an unexpected leg injury forced him to retire.
In 2022, Carlos Alcaraz racked up wins in Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Barcelona and Madrid, making his record in finals 5-0. At the Madrid Open, a day after his 19th birthday, he defeated his hero Rafael Nadal in the quarter-final, becoming the first teenager to ever defeat him on clay. Alcaraz also defeated world No. 1 and top seed at the time, Novak Djokovic at the same tournament. What a beast.
In July, he reached the final of the Hamburg Open, but lost to Italian Lorenzo Musetti and in the process, lost his perfect finals record.
Carlos Alcaraz’s 2022 US Open Victory
Regardless, Alcaraz’s string of strong results stood him in good stead for the 2022 US Open. Entering the tournament ranked No.3, he reached the fourth round without dropping a single set.
Alcaraz played Jannik Sinner in a quarter-final bout that lasted for five hours and 15 minutes, making it the second-longest match and the latest finish (2:50 am local time) in US Open history.
In the US Open final, Alcaraz squared up against world number 5, Caspar Ruud, knowing that whichever player won the match would go on to become world number one. Alcaraz defeated Ruud, 4-6, 6-2, 6-7, 3-6, to luft his first Grand Slam title, and become the youngest ever men’s singles world No. 1.
Alongside Daniil Medvedev, Alcaraz is only the second player since 2003 not included in tennis’ ‘Big Four’ to reach the top of the rankings. The ‘Big Four’ includes Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon 2023
Carlos Alcaraz lifted his first Wimbledon trophy in July 2023, defeating the most decorated player in tennis Novak Djokovic over five sets in the final.
The match was labelled as one of the most impressive finals of the modern era. with each passing game, both competitors were battling for every point – some games last more than 20 minutes as these two heavyweights traded blows.
Alcaraz beat Djokovic 1-6, 7(8)-6(6), 6-1,3-6, 6-4, in an epic that lasted 4 hours and 42 minutes.
Victories and Injuries
He also participated in the Miami Open and got to the finals. Other events he participated in during the year 2023 were The Miami Open, where he got to the Semi Finals, Barcelona Open, Madrid Open. At the US and China Open, he got to the semi-finals respectively. He won the Cinch Championships at the end of 2023. The Grass Title UK was another of his feats though he got to the finals but not the title. Carlos is seen as a young lad who would go head to head with anyone when it comes to the game. He is known for celebrating his wins and congratulating winners in cases where he couldn’t grab the title, a unique spirit of sportsmanship.
He had two more injuries on his knee and hamstring which kept him in and out of tournaments. He has 12 ATP titles to his name currently. His last injury at the end of 2023 gave way to rumours that he’d be unable to play in 2024. Relentlessly, he participated in the Argentina Open 2024 and Australian Open in 2024.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Playing Style
Carlos Alvarez has a very aggressive baseline playing style; he looks to move to the net to win points, with his forehand being his most reliable shot. These traits have earned him comparisons to tennis great, such as Roger Federer.
Alcaraz’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero once said of the young star:
“The style of Alcaraz is closer to Federer’s game style than any other of the top three… his ability to move from behind to inside the baseline so fast is a Roger style, 100%.”
His incredible physical abilities have also earned him comparisons to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Andy Murray has confirmed this, singing Carlos’ praises, “Alcaraz is unbelievably strong.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s Girlfriend
Carlos Alcaraz is not only winning on the court but off it too. He is rumoured to be dating Maria Gonzalez Gimenez, a fellow tennis player from Spain. She plays for Murcia Club de Tenis, near Alcaraz’s hometown.
Although there have been a few Instagram photos of the pair, neither has formally announced a relationship, opting to keep it out of the public eye.
Carlos Alcaraz Net Worth
Before the 2022 US Open, Carlos Alcaraz was believed to have a net worth between $2-$5 million. But, since his US$2.6 million prize money from the US Open, combined with the raft of sponsorship deals he is now likely to rack up, we expect this figure to increase a huge amount in the coming months.
Alcaraz won a record-breaking £2,350,000 (~$4.5 million AUD) for winning Wimbledon 2023.
RELATED: Wimbledon 2023 Prize Money: How Much Will This Year’s Winner Earn?
Carlos Alcaraz’s Endorsements
Carlos Alcaraz is sponsored by Nike for his clothing and shoes and French company Babolat for his racquets.
He is also a brand ambassador for luxury brands Rolex and BMW.
Having achieved all this at only 20 years old, just how far can this young man go?
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