“My hero was Rafael Nadal and still is Rafael Nadal. Since I started playing tennis, I look up to Rafa…” – Carlos Alcaraz. The 22-time Grand Slam champion inspired Alcaraz to pick up a racket and pursue a pro tennis career. Having a childhood idol can be extremely crucial in one’s personal development, and it can provide enough motivation to push through the challenges. Alcaraz was lucky to have one in the likes of Nadal, and now he wants to become one for the younger generation. Carlitos is known for his interactions with young fans and children, and he often goes out of his way to engage with them. Be it Monte Carlo or Roland Garros, time and again, fans have seen him celebrating his victories with ball kids. Not only that, there are times when Alcaraz was even seen asking them to join him in his press conferences. Remember John from AO? Yes, Alcaraz’s cute little friend! Recently, the little kid even shared a heartfelt message on Alcaraz’s special day.
Little John witnessed a dream-come-true moment at the 2025 AO! It all started with John getting the chance to toss the coin for Alcaraz’s third-round match against Nuno Borges at the Rod Laver Arena. The Spaniard had called the coin toss correctly, much to the little kid’s delight, before he got a chance to click a picture with both these tennis stars. John even shared a high-five with Alcaraz after that. However, that wasn’t all! Later on, the young kid got the chance to meet his tennis idol behind the scenes, and Alcaraz even took him along to the tournament’s official press conference room.
After having the introduction during their chat, Alcaraz asked him, “Have you ever seen what the players do after a match? Or is this the first time?” In reply, the kid said, “This is the first time. So I’m so excited actually.” Then Carlos Alcaraz was heard saying to him, “I wish to see you, you know, playing on this beautiful court one day.” After hearing this, John gave a nod, saying, “I sure will.” Recently, the same kid who became an overnight sensation after his dream-come-true moment in Melbourne shared a message for Alcaraz on his 22nd birthday on May 5. In a video note, John said, “Hey Alcaraz it’s your friend John from Australia! I just wanted to say a very, very, very Big Happy Birthday! Win or lose you’re always happy. Just like me.”
Further, the little kid went on to add, “You’re an inspiration to kids all over the world. Oh, and since it’s your party… ALCARAZ PARTY…(dances)..bye.” His kind and adorable gestures towards the kids have made him a favorite among younger fans. John is just one among those fans. But talking about inspiring the next generation, well, Carlitos takes that very seriously!
John sends his warmest wishes for a happy birthday to Carlos pic.twitter.com/BG0evJiltS
— f (@fvaeey) May 5, 2025
Once during an interview, he was asked if he really thinks he can reach the level of the Big 3. In reply to that, Carlos Alcaraz had said, “I’m not obsessed. I’ve always said I’d like to be the best in history and sit at the Big Three’s table, but those are big words, not an obsession. And I always say I’d like to be remembered as an inspiration to the little ones, and as someone who had fun doing what he loved most, with a smile on his face and making people enjoy themselves.”
He has time and again spoken about how he has always seen his idols, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, being kind to others. “When I started, I felt they were such great guys for me. I was, ‘Okay, I really want to be like these guys’, and I want to be the same for the kids.”
Now, coming back to his tennis, Alcaraz has been struggling a bit with injuries in the last few weeks, and due to that, he was also ruled out of the Madrid Open. Is he fit to start the Italian Open, though?
Carlos Alcaraz finds Jannik Sinner in the opposite halves of the draw at the Italian Open
Carlos Alcaraz was last seen in action in the final of the Barcelona Open where he was defeated by Holger Rune in two sets. But more than the defeat, fans were more concerned after getting an update about his left hamstring injury after that match. It raised a few doubts about his participation in the next clay-court events. Later on, Alcaraz was forced to withdraw his name from the Madrid Open, but he assured his fans that he’d “come back stronger.“
Can he make a comeback at the Italian Open? Well, just a few days ago, he was spotted in a training session alongside his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. Now, according to Spanish media house EFE Deportes’ reports, “He (Alcaraz) has overcome the adductor injury in his right leg that kept him out of Madrid.” However, according to Marca, Alcaraz will have a definitive test in an intensive training session on Monday.
Amid all these, the Italian Open men’s singles draw has been revealed, and guess what? There is a possibility of Alcaraz facing the world number one, Jannik Sinner, at the championship match in Rome. But before that, the Spaniard may have to face Grigor Dimitrov (fourth round), Jack Draper (QF), or Alexander Zverev (SF). Can Carlitos overcome all these hurdles and bring more smiles to the faces of his little fans with a title triumph in Rome?
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