Tennis offers one of the largest markets for collectibles. Players showcasing top-class skills and athleticism have led to a significant increase in viewership, thanks to modern-day superstars like Carlos Alcaraz. But Carlitos, despite having won four slams, is still a youngster and has a lot to learn. The Spaniard is only now catching up with an intriguing fact about a legendary player.

Alcaraz had a lopsided season this year, despite making good on talent at the Grand Slam stage. He proved his worth at the French Open and later, defended his title at Wimbledon against Serbian Novak Djokovic, but, those celebrations were short-lived. Following his gold medal match loss to the Serb, Alcaraz got into a run of bad form. He was brutally defeated in the second round of the US Open by an unseeded Botic van de Zandschulp, moments after he dismantled his racket to bits amid frustrations. Regardless, the Spaniard did his best to resurge.

He claimed the China Open title and maintained a laudable winning streak until he met Jannik Sinner in Shanghai. Moreover, his hopes for a successful conclusion to the year met with major resistance at the ATP Finals, as he couldn’t qualify for the semis there. With the tour calendar done, Alcaraz is finally indulging in other activities during the offseason. Subsequently, in a TikTok video uploaded on X, the Spaniard was asked which player possessed the most expensive card of all time, to which, Alcaraz responded with everything but the right answer.

Finally, when he was clued in and told it was a “she”, the former World No. 1 immediately jumped to realization. “Ah, she… alright, Serena Williams”. A grail for many trading card collectors, the Williams 2003 NetPro International Series Authentic Apparel Patch Autograph card is valued at a cool $266,400. To much amazement, the generational talent’s rookie patch autograph was bought by her husband Alexis Ohanian to keep the collectible in-house. Hearing this, Alcaraz said: “It was a good buy then”.

Speaking of good investments, how about we discuss its returns stemming from Alcaraz’s laudable performances? The Spaniard is momentarily gaining success and as he does, the 21-year-old wants a tattoo for every Slam he wins.

Carlos Alcaraz is ready to go against his father’s wishes for a tattoo if he wins the Australian Open

Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz has gotten a tattoo each for his four Slam wins. While his father doesn’t particularly approve of his celebration idea, the 21-year-old is keen on making it happen again by claiming the Australian Open title next. He iterated his plans for the upcoming season while talking to the Sports Press Association of the Region of Murcia during an awards ceremony.

Alcaraz said, “I am a very ambitious boy and I want more and Australia is what I want to get tattooed on me even though my father doesn’t like it very much. Being champion there is my main objective for next season.” However, Alcaraz will have to tread carefully. The past few years haven’t exactly presented him with a successful hunting ground in Melbourne. His best record to date is reaching the quarterfinals.

However, with sights set on the Australian crown, Alcaraz will work on preparing a suitable gameplan he can use against rivals at the season-commencing Slam. He will next take to the court in January 2025.