In the world of professional tennis, it’s common to hear about parents or spouses being pivotal figures in the careers of top players. However, for the young Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, there’s a unique twist to his story: his older brother, Alvaro Alcaraz, plays a significant role in his journey. While Carlos has been gaining global recognition for his impressive rise in the sport, Alvaro has become an essential part of the team, traveling the world with his younger sibling and cheering him on from the stands at various tournaments. Recently, though, it was Alvaro, not Carlos, who became the center of attention when a few moments with tennis legend Roger Federer went viral on social media.
Alvaro, who once pursued a career in tennis himself, made the decision to step away from the competitive side of the sport. Instead, he chose to support his younger brother’s burgeoning career, ensuring Carlos had a steady and familiar presence by his side. As Carlos rapidly ascended to the top tier of the sport, Alvaro became a constant figure at his matches, often seen providing moral support and celebrating victories with him. His role, while largely behind the scenes, has been crucial in helping Carlos maintain his focus and balance in what is a highly demanding and competitive environment.
The bond between the two brothers was on display again last week during the Shanghai Masters, where Carlos Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals but ultimately lost to Tomas Machac. It was a challenging defeat for the 21-year-old star, but the tournament also provided a memorable moment for the Alcaraz family. Federer, who was attending the Shanghai Masters as a guest of honor, spent time with Alvaro during the event. Their interaction became a viral sensation when pictures surfaced of the two hitting tennis balls together in an impromptu rally. Alvaro, who has idolized Federer throughout his life, expressed his gratitude and excitement on social media, calling the experience “a dream come true.”
Alvaro’s brief on-court exchange with Federer wasn’t just a fan-meets-idol moment; it was a touching display of the humility and kindness Federer is known for. In a world where Carlos has now become the focus of much attention, Alvaro’s emotional reaction to meeting Federer showed how important these shared moments are, even for those working tirelessly behind the scenes. Federer, who has long been a role model for many tennis players, further demonstrated his generosity by giving Alvaro the chance to rally with him, a gesture that resonated with fans and tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
While the younger Alcaraz and Federer haven’t had many chances to face each other on the court, they did share a notable moment off the court during the Shanghai Masters. Both players were seen sitting together during the final match between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. Their joint appearance was a striking sight for fans, as it symbolized a generational shift in tennis: Federer, the retired maestro, alongside Alcaraz, the rising superstar. The occasion also highlighted their connection as brand ambassadors for Rolex, the tournament’s title sponsor.
At just 21 years old, Carlos Alcaraz has already established himself as one of the best tennis players of his generation, rapidly rising through the ATP rankings with his powerful, all-around game. However, amidst his rapid success, Federer, who has witnessed the ups and downs of a long career, offered some words of advice for the young Spaniard. The Swiss icon expressed admiration for Alcaraz’s physicality, mental strength, and intensity but also cautioned him to be mindful of how he manages his career to avoid burnout and injury.
Speaking about Alcaraz’s performance at the Laver Cup in Berlin, where the Spaniard dominated players like Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz in straight sets, Federer praised his abilities while noting that he must learn to manage his energy and workload. “His intensity, the power in his shots already, his physical capabilities that he has,” Federer said, acknowledging Alcaraz’s extraordinary talent. “Obviously, he’s got to be careful, you know, [that] he doesn’t run basically for every ball because it’s not necessary. But he’ll learn that with age and with time. But also very strong [mentally] when it matters the most.”
Federer’s cautionary words carry weight, given his own experience with injury setbacks toward the end of his illustrious career. Persistent knee injuries eventually forced Federer to retire in 2022, and his advice comes from a place of hard-earned wisdom. Federer’s contemporary, Rafael Nadal, has similarly been plagued by injuries, which have heavily impacted his later years on tour. Nadal, another of Alcaraz’s idols, announced that he would be retiring after the 2024 season due to ongoing physical issues.
The message from Federer is clear: as Alcaraz continues to dominate the ATP Tour, he must also be vigilant about the toll the game can take on his body. Managing his workload and learning when to conserve energy will be critical if Alcaraz wants to enjoy a long and successful career. Tennis is as much a marathon as it is a sprint, and Federer’s advice underscores the importance of pacing oneself for the long haul.
For now, Carlos Alcaraz continues to soar, but with the wise counsel of veterans like Federer and the unwavering support of his brother Alvaro, he has all the tools to navigate the challenges ahead. The dynamic between the Alcaraz brothers remains a heartwarming story in tennis, as they continue to take on the world—one match at a time. With Alvaro’s presence and Federer’s guidance, Carlos’s future looks brighter than ever, and fans will be eager to see how the young star evolves as he grows into his full potential on the global stage.