"My parents control the money, to buy golf clubs, I don't ask permission, but for a good car, I'm still fighting" - Carlos Alcaraz
World No. 9 Carlos Alcaraz may have tremendous control of his game on a tennis court, but off it, the Spaniard has little say in matters related to his own earnings.
The Spaniard spoke about a number of topics in a recent appearance on the television program El Hormiguero, including how his parents control his finances and how he stays grounded despite his rising popularity.
"I get along quite well. I tell everyone that I don't consider myself famous. When they recognize me, I take it naturally," the 18-year-old said.
The Spaniard also mentioned that his parents control his money and that he does not ask for their permission when he wants to buy something relatively small, like golf clubs. However, that is not the case when it comes to buying expensive items like cars.
“Obviously, my parents control the money for me," Alcaraz said. "To buy some golf clubs, which I love, I don't ask permission, but for a good car, yes. I'm still fighting it. My father is tougher and my mother less, so to go out and those things I tell my mother. I don't have time as such, but they always tell me 'don't be late'. As much as I try not to make any noise when I get home, they always wake up and catch me.”
Alcaraz also spoke about his relationship with his entourage, including coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. The Spaniard revealed that he used to be very messy and hot-headed in his younger days, which made life difficult for Ferrero.
"The team is here to tell me bad things and even if it pisses me off, it's the best for me. At the beginning it was difficult. I was very complicated. Juan Carlos had a difficult time, because I was super messy. And I still am, although less so! I didn't control my emotions well and my head didn't go that far"
Carlos Alcaraz has won 23 out of 26 matches in 2022
Carlos Alcaraz has enjoyed a wonderful 2022 season so far with 23 wins out of 26 matches. He won the Rio Open before lifting his first Masters 1000 title at the Miami Open. The Spaniard then won the Barcelona Open by beating compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta in the final.
In the process, the 18-year-old cracked the top 10 of the ATP rankings, becoming the youngest player to do so since Rafael Nadal in 2005.
Alcaraz is one of the favorites to win the Madrid Open. He will take on either Fabio Fognini or Nikoloz Basilashvili in the second round of the tournament. The Spaniard could face Nadal in the quarterfinals.