In the sun-soaked courts of the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, the 2025 Barcelona Open has become a family affair for Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and four-time Grand Slam champion. On April 18, 2025, the 21-year-old Spaniard not only powered into the semifinals of the ATP 500 event with a commanding 7-5, 6-3 victory over Alex de Minaur but also stole moments to cheer on his 14-year-old brother, Jaime, who reached the under-14 junior tournament semifinals. Carlos, visibly proud, shared a heartfelt verdict on Jaime’s performance, admitting, “I was really surprised by his level,” a sentiment that underscores the rising star in the Alcaraz family.
Carlos, a two-time Barcelona Open champion (2022, 2023), has been a dominant force on the clay courts of his homeland. Fresh off a Monte-Carlo Masters title the previous week, where he defeated Lorenzo Musetti in a thrilling final, he arrived in Barcelona with momentum. His campaign began with a hard-fought 6-2, 7-6(6) win over American qualifier Ethan Quinn, followed by a 6-2, 6-4 dispatch of Laslo Djere. Against de Minaur, Carlos showcased his resilience, rallying from two breaks down in the first set to secure a spot in the semifinals against Arthur Fils. Yet, amidst his own battles, it was Jaime’s quarterfinal victory over fellow Spaniard Tim Franco that captured Carlos’s heart. “The best,” Carlos beamed in his post-match press conference, describing Jaime’s straight-sets triumph. “His level honestly surprised me, though he hits more drop shots than he should—I wonder where he gets that from,” he added with a playful grin, hinting at his own flair for the shot.
For Carlos, watching Jaime compete on the same grounds was a rare treat. “It had been a long time since I’d seen him play, and now that he’s playing here in the same club, I tried to come a bit earlier to catch his match,” he said. Accompanied by friends from his hometown of Murcia, Carlos was spotted in the stands, phone in hand, snapping photos of Jaime’s match with a brother’s pride. “It really excites me to watch him play, and I love watching him when I can,” he shared. “It’s a privilege for me to watch him as much as I can.” Jaime, born in 2011, has already made waves in junior tennis, with victories at events like the Rafa Nadal Tour in the under-12 division and a qualifying win at Les Petits As in France. His Barcelona performance, marked by a 6-2, 6-2 rout of Franco, sets him up for a semifinal clash against Pepe Garcia, scheduled before Carlos’s own match on April 19.
The Alcaraz brothers’ bond adds a heartfelt layer to the tournament. Carlos, who has long credited his family for his grounded nature, is protective of Jaime, wary of the pressures that come with being “the next Alcaraz.” “I worry that people might overwhelm him too much,” he said. “I don’t like people pressuring him just because he’s my brother. He’s too young to be labeled as the ‘next Carlos Alcaraz.’ It’s tough to have those expectations placed on him.” Despite the spotlight, Jaime’s talent is undeniable, and Carlos is committed to supporting him without adding to the hype. “For now, he’s doing great, and I’m proud of him,” he noted, emphasizing his desire for Jaime to develop at his own pace.
Carlos’s own journey in Barcelona is steeped in history. Since his debut loss to Frances Tiafoe in 2021, he has won 14 consecutive matches at the event, a streak that includes back-to-back titles. “Since I was a little kid, I was here on Sundays watching the final,” he reflected. “Being in the final again means a lot, in front of my people and my friends who came from Murcia.” Facing Fils, whom he defeated 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in Monte-Carlo, Carlos aims for a third Barcelona crown, with a potential final against Holger Rune or Karen Khachanov looming. His clay-court prowess, honed under coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, makes him a favorite, but he remains cautious. “There’s a long list of players who can make a splash at every tournament,” he said, nodding to rivals like Jannik Sinner and Rafael Nadal.
As the Barcelona Open unfolds, the Alcaraz name resonates beyond Carlos’s heroics. Jaime’s emergence, under his brother’s proud gaze, hints at a future where the family’s tennis legacy could grow. For now, Carlos cherishes the chance to witness Jaime’s rise. “Let’s see how he does tomorrow,” he said, his excitement palpable. In a sport often defined by individual glory, the Alcaraz brothers remind fans that family, support, and shared dreams can shine just as brightly as any trophy.