Fresh off his quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz entered the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam as the top seed. However, his arrival was anything but smooth. The Spaniard, who has consistently rejected offers of a more opulent lifestyle, endured a lengthy wait at the airport after choosing a budget airline over a private jet.
Tournament ambassador Jan Kooijman, aware of the ordeal, greeted Alcaraz with a warm welcome—presenting him with a bouquet of flowers, traditional Dutch stroopwafels, and a clog keychain to lift his spirits.
The Private Jet Offer That Alcaraz Declined
The story took another twist when reports emerged that Alcaraz had previously been offered a private jet deal to make his tournament travels more comfortable—but he turned it down. Spanish tennis journalist Manuel Sanchez revealed the 21-year-old’s firm stance on commercial travel.
“A while ago, Alcaraz was offered a deal with a private airline to have a jet to travel to tournaments, and he rejected it.” – Manuel Sanchez (translated from Spanish)
Alcaraz’s refusal to embrace luxury travel aligns with his grounded upbringing. He has often credited his parents for instilling humility in him, ensuring he remains a “normal guy” despite his tennis superstardom.
A Stark Contrast: Juan Carlos Ferrero on Life with Alcaraz vs. Zverev
This isn’t the first time Alcaraz’s modest approach has been highlighted. His coach, former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, previously compared his experiences coaching Alcaraz to his time with Alexander Zverev—pointing out the stark contrast in their lifestyles.
“It was a big decision to take. It was the opposite of what I lived with Zverev in the past. It wasn’t anymore a life of private jets and high-standard hotels.” – Juan Carlos Ferrero
Ferrero’s words reinforce Alcaraz’s preference for staying true to his roots, even as he continues to cement his legacy as one of tennis’s brightest stars.
What’s Next for Carlos Alcaraz in Rotterdam?
As Alcaraz settles in for the ATP 500 event, he will have to navigate the tournament without Ferrero by his side. The Spaniard’s opening challenge comes against home favorite Botic van de Zandschulp—a matchup that promises an exciting start to his Rotterdam campaign.
Despite his airport misadventure, Alcaraz remains focused on the court, proving yet again that his game, not a lavish lifestyle, is his true priority.
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