Carlos Alcaraz hoping for another uncomfortable conversation with his parents over a new tattoo
Carlos Alcaraz has made a habit of getting tattoos to mark each of his Grand Slam victories and he is already eyeing up a new inking to complete his set.
Alcaraz started the tradition when he won his first major at the US Open in 2022, as he got the date of his win in the final against Casper Ruud tattooed onto his arm.
He then got another tattoo after he won Wimbledon for the first time last year and backed that up by getting an Eiffel Tower after he won the French Open for the first time in June.
Now Alcaraz has turned his sights on claiming a career Grand Slam at the tender age of 21 by winning the Australian Open in January and if he succeeds in his mission in Melbourne, another tattoo will be on his agenda.
“I have it in mind, I have in mind to get a tattoo of the kangaroo,” he said.
“I’m going to try to have a good holiday first. For me, it’s super important to be able to disconnect from tennis. And to come back fresh for the pre-season so that it’s brilliant, brutal, to arrive in Australia in the best possible shape both tennis-wise, physically and mentally.
“The goal is to complete the ‘Grand Slam’ in Melbourne.”
Alcaraz revealed last summer that his parents were not entirely on board with his tattoo habit, as he conceeded the speed of his Grand Slam successes meant he was getting inked with more frequency than he might have planned.
“I need to speak to them about this,” said Alcaraz after his second Wimbledon win and the revelation that he has more tattoos planned.
“I told my parents just to calm them that it was just the first one in every major (he would get a tattoo), but this is a really big moment.
“Probably I’m going to put the date of this one next to last year’s. I have to discuss with them.”
Alcaraz’s remarkable rise would be complete if he secures the Australian Open title for the first time and he will head to Melbourne as the joint-favourite if he is fit.
Jannik Sinner looked unstoppable as he won his first Australian Open title in Melbourne last January, but Alcaraz has proved he can beat his great rival on outdoor hard courts when he is at his best.
Before that, Alcaraz has set his sights on winning his first ATP Finals title in Turin and he is eager to end a sensational 2024 on a real high.
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“Last year was a difficult end of the year for me,” said Alcaraz in Turin.
“I could not play at my best. The last two matches here were pretty good matches for me but in the previous two or three tournaments I didn’t play at my best, so I realised I had to change a little bit at this time of the year, which I did this year.
“I come here a little bit different. I approach this tournament a little differently, knowing there are things I have to change if I am to have a good result here and go far.
“Last year I didn’t start well from the first matches. I will try to play at the same level and will try to play good tennis. I am coming here with a lot of motivation.
“I learned a lot this year. I know myself more as a person and a player: what I need to do, what I need, on and off the court.
“Some of my losses this year were really painful for me: what I have to do, to train on days off.
“It is not only a goal on the court but also what you have to do on days off: how many days to take before going to the tournament, before it starts to prepare as best.”
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