Carlos Alcaraz’s rise to tennis superstardom is rooted in a family dynamic both competitive and heartwarming. In his newly released Netflix documentary, Alcaraz’s father, Carlos Alcaraz Sr., candidly reveals that he began making “excuses” to avoid playing tennis with his sons once they started beating him. The four-time Grand Slam champion, now 21, has three brothers, one of whom is already drawing attention in the tennis world.
Alcaraz Sr., a former professional player and passionate tennis enthusiast, explains in the documentary that by the time Carlos was 13, he could have easily beaten his father on the court. “When I saw that my kids started beating me, I’d quickly find any excuse not to play them, and say, ‘This is as far as we go,’” he admits, highlighting the playful yet competitive spirit within the family.
Despite this, Carlos Alcaraz Jr. maintains a respectful tone, stating, “I can’t say I’ve ever beaten my father. I can’t.” The documentary also explores how Alcaraz Sr. introduced his son to tennis, teaching him to play with passion and to see the sport as more than just a game.
Keeping Father and Coach Roles Separate
Alcaraz has often spoken about his father’s deliberate decision to keep a clear boundary between being a parent and a coach. While his father would hit balls with him on weekends, he always stepped back during formal training sessions, allowing professional coaches to guide Carlos during the week. “He always wanted to respect the father’s role. He never wanted to mix father and tennis coach. So, he always wanted to keep it separate, which is pretty good. And I think it helped me a lot,” Alcaraz reflects.
This approach has been credited as a key factor in Alcaraz’s balanced development, both as an athlete and as a person. The documentary and recent interviews highlight the pivotal influence of his father’s passion for tennis, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining family harmony and emotional support.