“I went out and called your mum” – Carlos Alcaraz’s father proudly remembers exact moment he knew his son was ‘destined’ to play tennis
Carlos Alcaraz Sr., father of World No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, vividly recalled the moment he recognized his son’s extraordinary talent, a memory that has become a cornerstone of the Alcaraz family’s tennis legacy. In a heartfelt interview shared on X by @TrackerTennis and @alcarazdaily on June 24, 2025, Alcaraz Sr. recounted a childhood incident, saying, “I went out and called your mum,” describing the instant he knew his son was “destined” to excel in tennis. This anecdote underscores the pivotal role his family played in nurturing the young Spaniard’s meteoric rise as he prepares to defend his Wimbledon title starting June 30, 2025.
The defining moment came when a four-year-old Carlos, nicknamed “Carlitos,” was hitting balls at the Real Sociedad Club de Campo de Murcia, where Alcaraz Sr., a former top-40 Spanish player and club director, coached. “He was spectacular,” Alcaraz Sr. recalled of his son’s early days, as noted by Kiko Navarro, one of Carlos’ first coaches, in a 2023 *Guardian* interview. During a practice session, Carlos Sr. witnessed his son’s natural ability to strike the ball with precision and passion, prompting him to rush out and call his wife, Virginia Garfia Escandón, to share the discovery. “I knew right then he had something special,” he said, per posts on X. This moment, filled with parental pride, marked the beginning of Carlos’ journey to stardom.
Alcaraz Sr.’s influence extended beyond that initial spark. Having played professionally until financial constraints halted his career, he introduced Carlos to tennis at age four and coached him at the family’s club, founded by Carlos’ grandfather. The clay courts of Murcia became Carlos’ playground, where his love for the game flourished. “He gave me everything I needed to fall in love with the game,” Carlos said of his father in a 2023 *EssentiallySports* article. By age 15, Carlos Sr. enrolled him in Juan Carlos Ferrero’s Equelite Academy, a decision that propelled his development under the former World No. 1’s guidance.
Now 22, Carlos credits his family’s support for keeping him grounded. Despite his 2022 US Open, 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon, and 2024 and 2025 French Open titles, he remains “just a normal guy” at home with his parents and brothers, Álvaro, Sergio, and Jaime, as he told *Sportskeeda* in 2024. Alcaraz Sr.’s presence courtside, alongside Álvaro, his hitting partner, has been a constant, though Virginia often stays home with the younger siblings. The family’s sacrifices, including financial struggles to fund early tournaments, have fueled Carlos’ drive, evident in his emotional tributes after victories, like his 2025 French Open win over Jannik Sinner.
As Carlos aims for a third consecutive Wimbledon crown, his father’s early belief in his destiny continues to resonate, shaping one of tennis’ brightest stars.
