Carlos Alcaraz may be the current star of the Alcaraz family, but the tennis world is beginning to take notice of his younger brother, Jaime Alcaraz, who is just 13 years old. Over recent months, videos comparing Jaime’s playing style to his older brother’s have been circulating on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter), sparking widespread interest and speculation about the younger Alcaraz’s potential in the sport.
However, Carlos, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is not entirely comfortable with the comparisons. He wants to shield his brother from the immense pressure that often comes with being linked to an established star. Carlos, who is very protective of his family, expressed his concerns about Jaime being compared to him so early in his development as a player.
“I’ve heard from my mother that he asked the barber to give him my haircut,” Carlos said, laughing at the thought. “It’s funny and hilarious, but Jaime is his own person. He plays really well, I won’t lie. He’s reaching a very good level, but there are a lot of people already making comparisons on social media, and I don’t like that. I just wish people would leave him alone so that he can grow at his own pace, without feeling the pressure of being compared to me.”
Carlos’s concerns are understandable. He knows firsthand the intense pressure that comes with being in the spotlight from a young age. “I’m a little worried about how people are going to treat him, especially during tournaments,” he continued. “There will be people who come to watch him just because he’s my brother, and that’s going to put him under pressure. We’ll see how he handles it, but I’ll definitely be there to support him.”
Jaime, like his older brother, has a deep passion for tennis. Carlos shared that Jaime spends every possible moment on the court, asking their father to hit balls with him. “It’s great that he loves tennis so much. Let’s see if he keeps improving. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to play against him,” Carlos said, clearly proud of his younger brother’s dedication.
While the tennis world is buzzing with excitement over Jaime’s potential, Carlos remains focused on his own career. He recently competed at The Six Kings Slam, a high-profile exhibition tournament taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event, which has drawn some of the biggest names in tennis, including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, will culminate in a much-anticipated final between Carlos and Jannik Sinner.
Sinner and Alcaraz have been the two standout players of the 2024 season, with each winning two Grand Slam titles. Their budding rivalry has captivated tennis fans around the globe, and the final in Riyadh promises to be another thrilling chapter in their head-to-head battles. The young Spaniard secured his spot in the final after defeating his childhood idol, Rafael Nadal, in straight sets. Reflecting on the match, Carlos spoke with deep respect for the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
“I tried to play at my best level. In sports, you always have to give your best when you step on the court,” Carlos said after his victory over Nadal. “For me, it was a great night. I think it was also a great night for the crowd.”
As for the final against Sinner, Carlos knows it won’t be an easy task. “Jannik is the strongest tennis player in the world right now. He’s had an amazing year and has lost very few matches. We’ve had many tough battles, and I expect tomorrow’s match to be another great one. I’ll do my best to beat him and win the tournament, but it certainly won’t be easy,” he remarked, acknowledging the formidable challenge ahead.
The Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry has drawn comparisons to past great rivalries in the sport, and even tennis legend Roger Federer weighed in on the significance of their battles. During a recent interview at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, where Federer participated in a doubles exhibition event, he spoke about the changing of the guard in tennis, highlighting the emergence of Alcaraz and Sinner as the new faces of the sport.
“You can feel the changing of the guard,” Federer observed. “Serena Williams has retired, Andy Murray has retired, and Rafa is getting closer to the end. Novak had a challenging year, but he still managed to win the gold medal at the Olympics and achieved what he wanted. But now, you see the rise of players like Sinner and Alcaraz, who have each won two Grand Slams this year. It’s a sign of the times.”
Federer, who has watched both players closely, was particularly impressed with Alcaraz’s performance at the Laver Cup. “He’s an incredible player, and I think people will really enjoy watching this rivalry between him and Jannik,” Federer added.
As the tennis world gears up for another exciting final between Alcaraz and Sinner, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever. And with the possibility of a second Alcaraz brother making waves in the future, tennis fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming years.