Alcaraz: Surprised to Be Among Legends

Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis star, inaugurated the exhibition “Feet on the Ground” on Friday. The exhibit, which highlights his career, will be open to the public starting Saturday and will run until February 15, 2025, at the former prison-turned-cultural center in his hometown of Murcia.

He confessed that as a child, he never imagined reaching the level of success he has today or being “surrounded by legends” who once only appeared in his dreams.

A four-time Grand Slam champion, with titles from Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and the US Open, Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the world after previously holding the top spot, was present at the exhibition’s opening ceremony. The event featured a video presentation showcasing childhood photos of the tennis star.

At the opening, Alcaraz, 21, expressed the significance of the project: “This is a very important initiative. I can see the joy of so many young people who come to me, and I want to contribute to that. This is really special for me.”

He added, “I was a child with dreams, just like everyone else. I aimed to make them come true, and now I’m surrounded by the legends I once admired. I still can’t believe everything I’ve accomplished.”

The exhibition, organized by the Alcaraz Foundation in his hometown, will be open for two months in the Segura area. It not only showcases his trophies, clothing, photos, and various personal items but also offers interactive games for visitors at the former prison venue.

Murcia’s mayor, José Ballesta, participated in the inauguration, emphasizing the “values Carlos represents, which align with the spirit of Christmas.”

He also spoke about the importance of “keeping our feet on the ground and remembering where we come from,” referring to the exhibition’s location in the young athlete’s hometown.

Beatriz Garcia, the director of the foundation and Alcaraz’s aunt, highlighted that the exhibition reflects the foundation’s mission, which embodies “Alcaraz’s desire to support childhood development.”