08 September 2023 , 08:00
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Carlos Alcaraz is already a name feared across the ATP tour - but he has another talented family member hoping to follow in his footsteps.
The world number one already has two Grand Slam wins under his belt in the form of last year's US Open and Wimbledon earlier in the summer. Just 20 years old, he is tipped to dominate the sport for years to come after becoming the first teenager to top the world singles rankings in the Open Era.
The Spanish superstar is not the only member of his family that opponents may have to contend with in the coming years. In fact, his younger brother Jaime is already showing significant potential and is already taking part in top junior events as he looks to progress.
The youngster caught the eye of ex-world number three Dominic Theim previously when the Austrian was left impressed after seeing a clip of the prodigy in action at an IGM event. Taken aback by the prospect's quality, the one-time major victor tagged his older sibling in a post and quipped: "He’s playing the right racket".
The post was soon seen by the elder Alcaraz, who revealed that his younger brother is a big fan of the 2020 US Open winner. He swiftly replied to his rival admitting: "He loves you!! You are his idol."
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Commenting on a previous video of his younger brother playing on clay, Alcaraz also made a bold claim about one aspect of his sibling's game, saying: "Better forehand than mine". Jaime took part in the 2022 IMG Future Stars at the tender age of 10 but was defeated 6-1 6-0 by ambidextrous starlet Teodor Davidov.
This invitational tournament sees the 48 best male and female tennis players under the age of 12 from across the world take part. The starlet also beat off 48 emerging stars to win a Rafa Nadal Tour event in Madrid and is due to play at a Masters event at Nadal's tennis academy at the end of the year.
Carlos Alcaraz’s brother Jaime showing his promise on court (gerebito/Instagram)
Carlos Alcaraz’s 12-year-old brother Jaime is tipped for big things in tennis (gerebito/Instagram)The Alcaraz family have a history in sport and particularly in tennis, with Carlos and Jaime's father previously a professional himself. He eventually gave up due to the expense of the career, having reached the ranking of 963rd in the world.
Eventually, Alcaraz senior became the director at the tennis club set up by his own father in the town of El Palmar in Spain. Speaking about the family's love of the game, Carlos previously told the New York Times: "In my family, I think we have the sport in our blood, we all played from the time we were young."
The world's leading player is also close with his other brother Alvaro, who no longer players tennis but is one of his younger sibling's biggest supporters. Their bond was seen firsthand at the 2023 Cincinnati Masters final, where Carlos paid tribute to his brother who was in attendance in the crowd.
In an emotional address, he said: "I have my brother here as well. 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."