logo
The kindness of Carlos: fans and former coaches hail ‘always humble' Alcaraz

The kindness of Carlos: fans and former coaches hail ‘always humble' Alcaraz

The Guardian11-07-2025
Is Carlos Alcaraz the kindest man in tennis? His childhood coaches, fans and the 79-year-old widow who collapsed during one of his matches certainly think so.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, who is riding a 24-match win streak, has spent the last fortnight charming spectators and players alike – and not just with his tennis skills.
The five-time grand slam champion has won over hearts as well as matches at Wimbledon, where he reached the finals for the third consecutive year, after defeating the American Taylor Fritz in four sets on Friday.
Kiko Navarro, Alcaraz's former coach in his home town of El Palmar, a village in Murcia, is not surprised by the star's good manners or popularity. 'His happiness in his face, which he spreads to the spectators, it was the same when he was a child,' he says.
'He has always been a humble person. Since he was little, when we would go to play, people would look at us and see that he was the best. And I liked to think that, well, if one day he becomes a tennis player, he would keep that humility, that closeness he has with people – and that is why he has won over all the public.'
Alcaraz's acts of kindness at Wimbledon have been plentiful and well documented, often neatly translating into bite-size clips that go viral on social media. They include handing over his signed shirt to his Italian opponent Fabio Fognini's son, Federico, who is a huge fan, and making time to say hello to the four-year-old son of the retired Spanish player Feliciano López, who was at SW19 for the invitation doubles.
Alcaraz also appeared to be the first person to spot 79-year-old Delyth Lewis struggling in the heat in the fifth hour of his five-set epic against Fognini. Alcaraz rushed to the umpire to halt the game before picking up his own water bottles and going to her aid when she fainted. This week the retired bank worker said she was 'truly grateful' for his actions: 'I'm his number one fan and I hope he lifts the trophy on Sunday.'
Alcaraz will face either Novak Djokavic or the world No 1, Jannik Sinner, on Sunday before his US Open bid where he will also play mixed doubles with the British No 1, Emma Raducanu, who he has affectionately said is 'going to be the boss'.
Navarro said Alcaraz's good deeds are not for the cameras or sponsorship deals, of which he has many. 'It shows that he is a very sensitive person,' he said. 'He loves those kind of gestures.
'These are things that come from the heart, which are not things that he does to win over people or brands. He has all his contracts, everything is perfect, but the truth is that he knows how to help people. He has his foundation here in Murcia, Fundación Alcaraz, to help the poorest children, and he loves it, he loves to help people.'
The consensus was the same among tennis insiders who this week said that what you see is what you get with Alcaraz, which cannot be said for all players.
Alcaraz often speaks generously of his opponents after defeating them on the courts. On Tuesday he described the former British No 1 Cameron Norrie as 'an amazing guy', adding: 'No one works harder than him and it is nice to see him fighting for great things.'
He also only had warm words to say about the qualifier Oliver Tarvet, who he beat in straight sets, predicting that the British 21-year-old could go on to achieve great things. He later commented on an Instagram post of Tarvet's, saying: 'Great run man, keep going.'
Carlos Santos, who coached Alcaraz from the ages of five to 12, said he had always been polite. 'He was always a nice boy. He was magic. He was always smiling. He was a special boy. When Carlos was only 10 years old we travelled around Europe together, and he never caused any problems in the hotel or in matches. He's different,' he recalled.
Sign up to The Recap
The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action
after newsletter promotion
His experience echoed that of Navarro, who said he had never seen Alcaraz deny a fan a photograph or autograph. And that was no different at Wimbledon on Friday morning. 'I feel really good,' said a beaming 13-year-old Zoe McCallum, clutching a signed tennis ball Alcaraz had just given her. 'He's just very good at tennis,' she said in answer to why she was a huge fan.
The schoolgirl and her father, Gavin McCallum, were among hundreds of spectators who had lined up to watch Alcaraz practise on Court 16 at 11am before the Spaniard's semi-finals clash against Fritz.
As well as handing out balls to his youngest admirers at the end of his session, Alcaraz patiently waved and smiled at the hordes who took photos of him, shouting: 'Vamos Carlos! We hope you win!'
McCallum, 50, who had travelled from Glasgow, said: 'He's the new generation. Everybody loved Rafa [Rafael Nadal] but he's going to be the new Spanish king of tennis. He's got really good charisma. He's in the middle of getting ready for the semi-final and he gave my daughter a signed tennis ball. He's a man of the people. He seems really down to earth, he's not too up himself and he's taking time to do stuff with fans which is great. He didn't have to do it but he's done it.'
'He's just incredibly entertaining,' said 17-year-old Sophie Moore, who was also waiting to catch a glimpse of the man of the moment. 'And very good looking,' interrupted her friend Lola Moffatt, 16. 'Good looking, young and good at tennis,' she added.
The students, who hope to have successful tennis careers themselves, said he is the most popular player among their peers. 'He's very personable and humble, compared with other players who are quite immodest,' said Moore.
It is why Navarro thinks Alcaraz could be one of the kindest players in the sport. 'Because in tennis, unfortunately, there are many – I am not going to say names – but they are not very kind to people. It seems that, in the end, in tennis, the public face is also important for brands and sponsors. That's why Carlos, as well as from his tennis, his way of being gets him such good contracts, with all the best brands in the world …
'But for me what's important is how Carlitos is, and if Carlitos is kind, that's enough for me.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Is England vs Spain on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Euro 2025 final for free
Is England vs Spain on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Euro 2025 final for free

The Independent

time14 minutes ago

  • The Independent

Is England vs Spain on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Euro 2025 final for free

England will get their shot at back-to-back European titles after clawing their way to the Euro 2025 final in Switzerland - and they will face familiar opponents on Sunday. Sarina Wiegman 's side produced another miraculous comeback in their last four clash against Italy, with Michelle Agyemang's 96th-minute equaliser saving the Lionesses from the brink of elimination. Chloe Kelly then tucked home her penalty rebound in the dying stages of extra time to book England's place in the final, where they will hope to emulate their Wembley heroics of Euro 2022. Kelly was the hero then, too, scoring the extra time winner in a 2-1 triumph over Germany. And England will take on Spain in a sensational rematch of the 2023 World Cup final after Aitana Bonmati's goal in extra time sent the world champions through to their first European final with a 1-0 victory over Germany in Zurich. Spain are looking to follow their World Cup triumph two years ago, where they beat England 1-0 in Sydney, with a first ever Euros title while the Lionesses will be out for revenge as they defend their title. Here's everything you need to know about the Euro 2025 final. When is the Euro 2025 final? The Euro 2025 final between England and Spain will take place on Sunday 27 July in at St Jakob Park, Basel. While kick-off times for the quarter-finals and semi-finals were 8pm, the final will start at 5pm BST (UK time). What TV channel is it on? Viewers will have a choice between BBC One and ITV 1, with both channels providing live coverage of the final. What is the England team news? Lauren James suffered an ankle injury during England's semi-final win against Italy and was forced off at half-time. The forward was later seen with ice on her ankle and Sarina Wiegman still ' does not know' is she will be available, but said James had returned to the training pitch and will be given as much time as possible to try and recover. If James is unable to feature in the final, Wiegman could decide to promote Chloe Kelly from the bench after her impact against Sweden and Italy. Or if Wiegman prefers to keep Kelly as an impact substitute, Beth Mead could come into the side. The England manager also suggested that Michelle Agyemang will keep to her own impact role, with Alessia Russo set to start up front. England could be unchanged elsewhere. Esme Morgan made her first major tournament start against Italy and is now likely to feature alongside Leah Williamson in defence, after the England captain recovered from her own ankle injury. Hannah Hampton has impressed in goal while Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood will continue as full-backs. England's midfield struggled to move the ball quickly enough against Italy but Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone are set to remain in place. Grace Clinton and Aggie Beever-Jones were used off the bench against Italy and will be among Wiegman's options again late in the game. England possible XI: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Morgan, Greenwood; Walsh, Stanway; Mead, Toone, Hemp; Russo What is the Spain team news? Centre-back Laia Aleixandri should return in defence alongside Spain captain Irene Parades after serving a one-game suspension. Spain will field two Ballon d'Or winners in their midfield three, with Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas joined by the equally excellent Patri Guijarro in an all-Barcelona central unit. Cata Coll made a key double-save to rescue Spain at the end of normal time against Germany and will start in goal, with former Manchester United defender Ona Batlle and Olga Carmona - the scorer of Spain's goal in the 1-0 World Cup final win over England - as full-backs. Esther Gonzalez leads the golden boot standings with four goals so far and will remain Spain's No 9, with Claudia Pina - who scored both of Spain's goals in their 2-1 win over England in June - and Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey likely to join her in attack. Salma Paralluelo has struggled for form and fitness at the Euros but could have a say off the bench later on, while Athenea del Castillo has also made an impact off the bench throughout the tournament. Possible Spain XI: Coll; Batlle, Parades, Aleixandri, Carmona; Guijarro, Bonmati, Putellas; Caldentey, Gonzalez, Pina List of previous Euros winners 2022 - England (2-1 a.e.t vs Germany) 2017 - Netherlands (4-2 vs Denmark) 2013 - Germany (1-0 vs Norway) 2009 - Germany (6-2 vs England) 2005 - Germany (3-1 vs Norway) 2001 - Germany (1-0 g.g. vs Sweden) 1997 - Germany (2-0 vs Italy) 1995 - Germany (3-2 vs Sweden) 1993 - Norway (1-0 vs Italy) 1991 - Germany (3-1 a.e.t. vs Norway) 1989 - West Germany (4-1 vs Norway) 1987 - Norway (2-1 vs Sweden) 1984 - Sweden (1-1 vs England, 4-3 on penalties) Euro 2025 route to final

'A different world' - Spain's transformation after World Cup fallout
'A different world' - Spain's transformation after World Cup fallout

BBC News

time15 minutes ago

  • BBC News

'A different world' - Spain's transformation after World Cup fallout

The last time Spain played in the final of a major tournament, it was a watershed moment for the only did they win their first major women's trophy, but the players were about to find themselves at the centre of a sexism of celebrating their historic World Cup victory in 2023, when they defeated England 1-0, Spain's triumph was overshadowed by nearly two years later, La Roja are preparing to play the Lionesses once again in Sunday's Euro 2025 has unfolded in the meantime? And how different has this tournament been for Spain? How did we get here? Just as Spain were getting ready to lift the World Cup trophy, Luis Rubiales - the country's football federation president - kissed striker Jenni Hermoso on the was a kiss that Rubiales said was consensual, but Hermoso said was followed was a storm of criticism, widespread protests and a court case that found Rubiales guilty of sexual said the incident had "stained one of the happiest days" of her the immediate aftermath, 81 players - including all 23 World Cup winners - said they would not play for Spain again while Rubiales was in charge."It was a difficult period for the Spanish players," England midfielder Ella Toone said on Friday."What they did in the World Cup, for that [the Rubiales incident] then to be the main talking point, I think was really tough for them and was something they shouldn't have had to go through." The boycott only ended almost a month later when Spain's football association, the RFEF, promised "profound changes" following a lengthy meeting with players and government officials. 'A different world' Speaking to BBC Sport last month, Amanda Gutierrez - the president of players' union Futpro - explained that the RFEF promised to improve the players' working conditions and provide equal access to the same resources the men's side have those changes been evident at Euro 2025? "It's a different world," Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague said. "The players are saying 'we only have to worry now about playing', so that's completely new."Spain's performances have certainly reflected that attitude as they defeated Portugal, Belgium and Italy by a combined score of 14-3 in the group Tome's side then saw off a stubborn Switzerland side in the quarter-finals, before scoring an extra-time winner against eight-time winners Germany to reach their first European Championship played 120 minutes in their semi-final and played a day later than England, but former midfielder Vicky Losada said their mental resilience will help them overcome their lack of recovery time."Knowing them, straight after the game against Germany they will be thinking about doing anything they can to be ready for this game," Losada told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily."They have 24 hours less to recover but the mental strength of the girls, because of their experience, because of all they have won, is massive."The players on the team are winners. For a lot of them, the only major tournament they are missing is the Euros. They know they have one opportunity."Sara Alcaraz Guiterrez, a reporter for national Spanish radio, said this is the first tournament since the 2023 World Cup where she hasn't had to "speak about the federation and what is happening inside"."The players are more relaxed because they know everyone in Spain is speaking just about the Euros. It's like 'finally'." 'Tome cannot do any better' Former coach Jorge Vilda may have delivered World Cup glory to Spain, but he will be remembered in a negative light by some for his role in their triumphant head coach, who was booed by some fans after the final, had survived a player revolt before the tournament and was viewed as one of Rubiales' closest his side on the touchline was Montse Tome, his assistant coach who became his successor a few weeks after the World Cup were concerns about her appointment, with many viewing it as a continuation of the previous regime, while she had no previous experience as a head Tome at the helm, Spain won the inaugural Women's Nations League in February 2024, but their fourth-place finish five months later at the Paris Olympics was deemed a their journey to the Euro final, and the unity within the squad, seem to have changed perceptions of the former Spain midfielder."She cannot do any better in terms of results," said Balague. "She's not friends with them [the players]. She's not supposed to be either. "You hear her talk and she makes a lot of sense. She's got a clear idea of how to maximize the potential."She's not a representative of the previous regime, but she was present. Even if that's in the back of the mind of anybody, you look around and it's a completely different place. So I don't think there is a lot of hard feelings about where she's been, because she's been quite fair." 'The players want to move on' Not only is Sunday's final in Basel an opportunity for Spain to win their first European crown, but it's also a chance to celebrate achieving a major trophy without a cloud of controversy hanging over them. "It's something external that happened at the time," Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas said."Now we're focused on giving our best to win this title. We're not thinking about celebrations or non-celebrations; we're only thinking about being prepared and doing well so that we can get closer to our goal."The culture within the Spanish camp also appears to have changed drastically from the World Cup in 2023, when they arrived in New Zealand with a divided squad amid a backdrop of unrest around then head coach Vilda."The things have changed," Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati added. "There's a very healthy and united group. We can see that on the pitch. We all agree on this."Spain's Euro 2025 squad includes 11 World-Cup winning players, although Hermoso was not selected by explained: "They want to move on, and it makes sense," "The players I've spoken to, they all have mixed feelings. They [Rubiales and the RFEF] took the celebrations away from them, but they changed our society and the way we think about women's football, and also women in society."They have advanced society. Nobody will give them a trophy for that."Former Lionesses forward Ellen White was part of Sarina Wiegman's side beaten by Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, but said this group of Spanish players deserve their moment in the spotlight."The controversy was so horrible. I felt for the whole team after the World Cup final," White told BBC Radio 5 Live. "They weren't able to celebrate and have that monumental moment."This final brings them the chance to create absolute history. Enjoy it, have nothing else to think about and if they were to win to just bask in the absolute joy of winning a tournament together as a group of individuals. And hopefully the whole of Spain will be celebrating what they have done."They deserve this. They have worked so hard and it would be an absolutely amazing moment for the whole team."

Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text – this jaw-dropping tale of how police hacked gangs is like The Wire
Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text – this jaw-dropping tale of how police hacked gangs is like The Wire

The Guardian

timean hour ago

  • The Guardian

Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text – this jaw-dropping tale of how police hacked gangs is like The Wire

Police work rarely resembles The Shield or Line of Duty. It's mostly paperwork, online training and referring people to driver offender courses. But sometimes life imitates art. In 2020, international police hacked the encrypted phone network EncroChat, used by organised crime gangs across the globe. For 74 days, they had access to every message and picture used to coordinate drug trafficking, money laundering, kidnap and murder. 'It was the LinkedIn of organised crime,' explains Matt Horne, a former gold commander at the UK's National Crime Agency (not the actor from Gavin & Stacey). Operation Dark Phone: Murder By Text (Sunday, 9pm, Channel 4) is a documentary-drama cleverly built around these messages, which appear like screenplay dialogue across scenes. It's an arresting insight into how criminal gangs work – and just as revealing, how they talk. 'Sweets' are bullets, while a 'pineapple' is a grenade. A violent British criminal known as Live-long, lying low in Spain, organises an acid attack on a rival, in between sending pictures of his breakfast. Cucumber slices on labneh with paprika – nice. The trick, he instructs, is to stop the victim getting to a sink. Hold them down a few minutes, so the acid can do its job. Less nice. Incredibly, there is dark humour amid the grim. Mostly courtesy of the crims, who go by ridiculous two-word usernames on the anonymous network. There's a Chris Morris absurdity to Mystical-steak, Valued-bridge, Top-shag. At one point, an agent explains how Live-long interacted with Ball-sniffer (who one assumes is lower down). For their part, the agents and white hats are living out the most exciting series of The Wire. In a year, they would usually encounter fewer than a hundred explicit threats to life. Once the curtain was lifted, they intercepted more than 150 in six weeks. Logistically, that's a problem. The show knows how to grab a viewer. Storylines develop, introduce formidable characters, and bring the action to a climax. Ace-prospect imports AKs and Glocks to the UK, one of which is bought by Live-long, who is looking to take on Ace-prospect in a personal revenge attack. Organised through go-betweens, neither side knows who they are dealing with. The NCA has a 24-hour delay when receiving message data, and must work round the clock to close the gap. When Ace-prospect's hitman throws a pineapple into the garden of a rival, which fails to explode, the feds are faced with a dilemma: how to protect the lives of children nearby while keeping their intelligence and mission a secret? This is all far sexier than Crimewatch. Instead of losers sticking up BP garages, here are wealthy playas orchestrating crimes from overseas. Is it ethical? Is there a risk of making the criminals look cooler than their cucumbers? The glossy recreations showcase swimming pools, gym-fit bodies, weapons familiar from movies. The actor playing Live-long looks like Claes Bang, and spends the episode with his top off. Yet this is a morality tale. 'I'm gonna take his eyes out and chase him around every jail,' writes Live-long from a darkened room, his teeth-whitening gumshield glowing ultra-violet like a nightmare acid trip. The empty glamour is not just the medium, it's the message. These criminals' downfall is their superficiality, their constant messaging and oversharing, their boasting and social media-amplified physical vanity. Live-long's true identity is eventually uncovered because he sends a triumphant selfie. Can you imagine an old-school career criminal hearing that? I picture them slapping their forehead; except they've forgotten to unclench their fist and knock themselves out. The show's charge comes from knowing this is real, not merely dramatic writing. Part of that charge is fear – a reminder that there are sociopaths among us who hold life cheap and take joy in violence. Operation Dark Phone is a four-part series, from the makers of 24 Hours in Police Custody, and promises far more jaw-dropping revelations as well as some overdue justice. Don't watch it if your faith in humanity is wavering. I'll probably be giving pineapples in the supermarket a wide berth too, just in case.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store