Carlos Alcaraz's inner circle that inspired French Open win after heartbreaking admission

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3 days ago

Carlos Alcaraz's inner circle that inspired French Open win after heartbreaking admission
Carlos Alcaraz retained his French Open title by beating Jannik Sinner in a five-set epic in Paris on Sunday, with the Spaniard's team instrumental in his success
French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz has thrived thanks to the support of his family, friends and colleagues
(Image: Getty Images )
Tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz took his career to the next level following a remarkable comeback victory over Jannik Sinner to successfully defend his French Open title. Sunday's triumph wasn't just a solo achievement, however, but also a testament to the dedicated team behind the young star.
Alcaraz found himself at an emotional juncture earlier this year and was contemplating taking time off after struggling for form. His resilience shone through as he recovered from two sets down to claim a 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) victory against Sinner.
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"I will [listen to] my close people and [when] my team have things to say to me, and that's all that matters," he said in April amid mounting pressures. Clearly, his strategy to concentrate on the counsel of his nearest and dearest has paid dividends, which was evident in the 22-year-old's impressive return to the pinnacle of tennis this weekend.
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Who is Carlos Alcaraz's agent?
Albert Molina took Alcaraz under his wing after persuading his parents when the tennis prodigy was just 12. And he often treats the five-time major winner as if he were his own son.
Their bond was beautifully depicted in the 2025 Netflix docuseries 'My Way'. And it demonstrated that while the mentor-protege connection can be demanding at times, it is also immensely rewarding.
"I tried to explain to him that it might not be the best idea to go to Ibiza for three or four days on holiday when he had Queen's the following week and then Wimbledon," said Molina in one scene. He was also shown reprimanding his client after Alcaraz arrived late for a sponsorship event.
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Alcaraz's agent, Albert Molina, discovered the youngster when he was just 11
(Image: Getty Images )
"That day I got very angry with him, but not because of punctuality," he continued. "It bothered me not because of being late. For me, it was a lack of respect towards other people, and that's what I cannot tolerate with Carlos. It doesn't matter if you're No. 1 in the world. Nobody has to wait for you, Carlos."
He further emphasised the personal sacrifices he makes for Alcaraz's career, including missing out on time with his family. That includes going long periods without seeing his wife, 16-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter.
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Molina also highlighted that he can't spend as much time as he'd like with his elderly parents and often spends his birthday, which coincides with Wimbledon, alone. However, his connections within the tennis community were particularly crucial in securing a star coach to oversee Alcaraz's development.
Who is Carlos Alcaraz's coach?
Former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero has been working with the player for six years
(Image: Getty Images )
The coaching influence of Juan Carlos Ferrero has been paramount, beginning his mentorship with Alcaraz at just 16. It was agent Molina who persuaded the ex-world No. 1 to observe the young talent at a Futures tournament, leading to a partnership that has only grown stronger.
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"I think his strength is keeping believing all the time until the last ball is gone. And he tries and tries," said Ferrero after Alcaraz's second French Open title on Sunday. "It was a thing [when] he was Love-40 in the fourth, this 5-3 [game], and he looked at me and still made [a motion to] me like this with the racquet, like saying, 'I'm still here,' saying, 'Vamos.'
"I'm not going to say that I was believing that he was able to recover from that 5-3, Love-40. But one more time with Carlos, everything is possible, and he did it again. Amazing [achievement]."
But Alcaraz has more figures behind the scenes helping to keep him on the path to greatness. Coach Samuel Lopez and physio Fran Rubio are newer additions to his team, while fitness guru Juanjo Moreno and personal trainer Alberto Lledo have worked with him since 2018 and 2020, respectively.
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Who are Carlos Alcaraz's parents?
Alcaraz's dad was once his coach and mentor
(Image: Getty Images )
Carlos Alcaraz grew up in a family where tennis was a familiar pursuit; his father, a passionate player in his younger years, had to give up the sport due to financial constraints. Meanwhile, mother Virginia made sacrifices and worked hard as a sales assistant at IKEA to help fund her son's dream.
"I loved tennis since the beginning," he told Sports Illustrated in 2022. "I mean my father bought me my first racket, and the first time that I played tennis, I fell in love."
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Having Carlos Sr as a coach at Real Sociedad Club de Campo de Murcia proved advantageous for Alcaraz's rise in tennis. Alcaraz's grandfather, Carlos Alcaraz Lerma, occasionally attends his matches, showcasing the player's deep gratitude for his family's role in his success.
"For me, it's amazing to have you here supporting me," he said following his triumphant 2024 French Open campaign. "Since I was a little kid, as I said many times, I was running from school to put the TV on to watch this tournament on the TV, now I am lifting the trophy in front of all of you."
Does Carlos Alcaraz have siblings?
Alvaro Alcaraz, Carlos' brother, often accompanies his younger sibling on tour
(Image: Getty Images )
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Alcaraz has two younger brothers and one elder sibling, who often travels with him on tour. Alvaro, who is often seen lending a hand as Alcaraz's hitting partner, seems to share an exceptionally close bond with his pioneering brother.
"I have my brother here as well," the five-time major champion said in an address to Alvaro following a match at the 2023 Cincinnati Open. "It's great to have you here, supporting me every day, to make me be a better person every day, learning from you as well, so thank you very much for being with me."