As Carlos Alcaraz prepares to defend his French Open title in 2025, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis prodigy has opened up about the profound role his family has played in navigating the emotional highs and lows of his meteoric career. In a candid interview with Roland Garros magazine, the world No. 2 shared an emotional admission, describing crushing defeats as a “big slap in the face” and crediting his loved ones for helping him maintain a positive mindset. With a stellar 24-5 record this season and titles in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, and Rome, Alcaraz’s reflections reveal a young champion whose family has been his cornerstone, grounding him amidst the pressures of fame and the relentless demands of professional tennis.
Alcaraz’s journey to the pinnacle of tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 21, he became the youngest man to win Grand Slams on all three surfaces—hard, clay, and grass—securing four major titles, including the 2024 French Open and back-to-back Wimbledon crowns. Yet, behind the dazzling forehands and electrifying athleticism lies a player who has faced significant challenges. “When I have had low points, when I have lost matches that I really wanted to win, it is like taking a big slap in the face,” Alcaraz confessed, his words carrying the weight of a competitor who feels every defeat deeply. These moments, he explained, could easily spiral into frustration, but his family—parents Carlos Alcaraz González and Virginia Garfia Escandón, and brothers Álvaro, Sergio, and Jaime—have been his lifeline. “Thanks to them, I have been able to tell myself each time: ‘Okay, I am where I have always dreamed of being since I was a child. So there is nothing to be angry about, no time to waste in frustration,’” he said. Their support has helped him refocus, appreciating the present and living his childhood dream.
The 2025 season has showcased Alcaraz’s resilience. After a forearm injury forced him to miss the Madrid Open, he roared back with a title in Rome, defeating world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in straight sets. “My loved ones. They are always there for me when I need them,” Alcaraz emphasized, highlighting how his family’s presence fosters calm and positivity. This was evident after his 2024 French Open triumph, where he celebrated with his parents in the stands, a moment that echoed his childhood memories of rushing home from school to watch Roland Garros. “It’s incredible to have you here supporting me,” he told them in his victory speech, a nod to their unwavering presence. His brother Álvaro, a constant at tournaments, has been particularly influential, sharing emotional exchanges like the one after Alcaraz’s 2023 Cincinnati Masters loss to Novak Djokovic. “I have my brother here as well,” Alcaraz said tearfully, praising Álvaro for making him “a better person every day.”
Alcaraz’s openness about mental health reflects a broader awareness in tennis. Inspired by compatriot Sara Sorribes’ indefinite break to prioritize her well-being, he spoke empathetically: “It’s a shame to see someone as cheerful as Sara having to step away from tennis. I hope we’ll see her back soon, competing and fighting because she’s a warrior.” His own mental struggles surfaced after a shocking 2024 US Open second-round exit to Botic van de Zandschulp, where he admitted, “The truth is that I feel like, instead of moving forward, I’ve taken steps backward mentally.” He described the match as a “fight with myself,” grappling with uncontrolled emotions and a packed schedule. A rejuvenating family vacation in the Dominican Republic, where he avoided touching a racket for over a week, helped him reset. “For me, it is very important to complete the remaining (‘big’) ones,” he said, eyeing the 2025 Australian Open to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz’s humility, rooted in his “medium-class” upbringing in El Palmar, Spain, shines through. “We didn’t have big luxuries,” he recalled, crediting his parents for keeping him grounded despite earning millions in prize money. “They always stay there to put my feet on the ground,” he said after his 2024 Indian Wells title. As he faces Kei Nishikori in the French Open’s first round, with a potential Sinner semi-final looming, Alcaraz’s family remains his bedrock. Their support, from emotional hugs to tough love, has transformed setbacks into stepping stones, making him not just a champion, but a relatable figure chasing greatness with heart.
# Alcaraz’s Family Support Through Mental Struggles
Carlos Alcaraz, preparing to defend his 2025 French Open title, shared how his family helps him navigate mental challenges. “When I have lost matches that I really wanted to win, it is like taking a big slap in the face,” he told Roland Garros magazine. “Thanks to them, I have been able to tell myself each time: ‘Okay, I am where I have always dreamed of being since I was a child.’”
With a 24-5 record and titles in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, and Rome, Alcaraz’s 2025 season reflects resilience after a forearm injury. “My loved ones. They are always there for me,” he said, crediting their calming presence. After his 2024 French Open win, he told his parents, “It’s incredible to have you here supporting me.” His brother Álvaro’s support, seen after a 2023 Cincinnati loss, was heartfelt: “I have my brother here as well.”
Alcaraz empathized with Sara Sorribes’ mental health break: “It’s a shame to see someone as cheerful as Sara having to step away.” His own struggles, like a 2024 US Open loss, led to introspection: “I’ve taken steps backward mentally.” A family vacation helped him reset. “They always stay there to put my feet on the ground,” he said, reflecting his humble roots. Facing Kei Nishikori next, Alcaraz’s family remains his anchor.
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