Have you ever experienced an alluring temptation, something that gets you jumping off your feet the moment you think about it? Well, that’s what Carlos Alcaraz has been feeling lately. The Spaniard is looking to continue a tradition that began after the 2022 US Open. However, one more challenge lies ahead of the four-time slam champion. In Alcaraz’s words, “There’s one small step left, a match that’s a big mountain.”

The 21-year-old booked his place in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics on his debut, shortly after which Novak Djokovic sealed his spot for the first time, too. The duel, scheduled to go down on Sunday, August 4, on Court Philippe-Chatrier – where Alcaraz won his third Grand Slam title earlier this year – will be the ultimate decider of the Spaniard’s wishes. And this time, his parents might be on board with it!

Carlos Alcaraz has celebrated the biggest moments of his career with an inking tradition, one that his parents aren’t extremely happy about. But after he won his first major – the 2022 US Open, which also made him the youngest World No. 1 – he got his first tattoo. “11.09.22,” the date he won in Flushing Meadows, inked above his left elbow. So, it was only fair that he got one after his first Wimbledon title, which came last year after a five-set thriller against Djokovic. However, Alcaraz couldn’t get the green light from his parents for an ‘ink-credible’ souvenir after winning at SW19 for a second consecutive time.

“I think this is a really big moment,” Alcaraz said after another Wimbledon final victory over Djokovic. “Probably I’m gonna put the date of this one next to the last year’s. I have to discuss with [my parents].” But it looks like it wasn’t in the cards. “I told my parents, just to calm them, that it’s just the first one in every Major,” he hilariously added. Considering how big an achievement winning the Olympics would be, the question was obvious: Would he get a tattoo to commemorate the gold? “Without a doubt, the rings and the date Paris 24, one hundred percent,” the 21-year-old divulged.

That’s the thing about Carlos Alcaraz’s tattoos. Apart from the dates of his wins, he adds something to remember the city or experience by. If he wins the Olympics, it’ll be the five rings and, most likely, “04.08.24.” Considering the Games are happening in Paris, the Eiffel Tower would’ve been a cool addition, but it’s one that the Spaniard already has! After his Wimbledon victory this year, he was asked about this tattoo tradition and whether another would follow. His answer? “The Tower de Eiffel, I didn’t do it yet, but I will, for sure. And this one, I have to talk with [my parents].” 

As for his 2023 Wimbledon crown, he inked “16.07.23” and a strawberry on his right ankle to celebrate the tradition of strawberries and cream at SW19. Besides his Grand Slam-related tattoos, Carlos Alcaraz also has the letters “CCC” on his left forearm. The abbreviation denotes his grandfather’s motto, “Cabeza, Corazon, Cojones,” righteously reflecting the Spaniard’s zealous personality and translating to ‘head, heart, b*lls.’

Coming back to the Olympics. In the post-match press conference after his semifinal victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alcaraz reiterated his intentions about getting a new tattoo: “If I win on Sunday we’ll see, but most likely yes. There’s one small step left, a match that’s a big mountain. But if I get it, I’ll do it.” It will indeed be a big mountain to climb, considering who’ll be on the other side of the court. Yes, the Spaniard will have the psychological advantage going into the gold medal match, considering he overcame Djokovic’s challenge just 21 days ago. But the Serbian will come into the match with a score to settle, too.

Although they’ve shared the spoils of their 6 encounters in the past, Alcaraz leads the finals head-to-head 2-1, both of which came at Wimbledon. Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, defeated the 21-year-old in the 2023 Cincinnati Masters final. And while Alcaraz may have the most recent win in their head-to-head, Djokovic would come into the match knowing that the Spaniard has never won two consecutive matches against him.

All said and done, they both have one goal – to leave Court Philippe-Chatrier with the gold medal. Djokovic’s incentive may be that he’s been waiting for the opportunity to win gold for Serbia for almost 20 years (and that this could be his last Olympics). As for Alcaraz, he said, “I’m going to give Spain what they want, which is gold.” And by the looks of it, the Spaniard is fetching all the help he can get to ensure his inking plans don’t go south!

Juan Carlos Ferrero could be back in Carlos Alcaraz’s box for the final

Alcaraz has been surfing through the Olympic Games without the guidance of his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. Owing to the Games’ essence as a team event, the 21-year-old is being guided by Spain’s national coach and former player, David Ferrer. However, according to reports by the Spanish outlet Marca, Ferrero is slated to unite with the young talent ahead of his clash against the Serbian.

This, in turn, can be a huge help for Alcaraz. He is looking to end Spain’s 16-year gold medal drought, and with the guidance of his coach, who knows the inside tracks to Alcaraz’s mindset, he stands a better chance of coming out on top in Paris. Moreover, earlier this season, the Spaniard also opened up about Ferrero’s coaching approach.

He notably highlighted that the 44-year-old is a tough taskmaster and knows how to efficiently balance things. “He is a very serious person when he has to be, when it comes to work and discipline. But he is also very funny when he has to be. He knows how to differentiate the moments very well.”

It is worth noting that the nation’s most recent glory at the Olympics in the singles event came at the hands of Rafael Nadal. The former World No. 1 pocketed a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics, defeating Novak Djokovic en route to the finals. Rafa also won the gold in the doubles event at the 2016 Rio Olympics. That said, if Carlos Alcaraz manages to tune into his champion mindset, he has a real shot at finally reuniting Spain with the Olympic gold this year!