Book: The Man Behind the Smile

Author: Mark Hodgkinson

Published by: Cassell

Price: Rs 699

Perhaps the most meaningful of all of Carlos Alcaraz’s tattoos is the first one, ‘CCC’, on the inside of his left wrist. It denotes the Spanish words, Cabeza, Corazón, Cojones (Head, Heart, Balls). His grandfather taught him at an early age that those were the three things he needed to succeed on court.

Alcaraz’s love for tattoos is well-documented. His first Wimbledon title brought about a strawberry, Roland Garros an Eiffel Tower, and the US Open the Statue of Liberty. One of the most important connections that Alcaraz made was with Joaquin Ganga, one of the world’s leading tattoo artists, with whom he grew up in the same village. Ganga now has a studio in Los Angeles, and Alcaraz has referred several of the athletes to him, including Nick Kyrgios who wanted someone to create a Pokémon design on his back. Ganga has been an influential figure in Alcaraz’s life not just because of their friendship but because he has been the one to decorate his skin.

The Spaniard’s biography delves into several such intricate aspects
about the tennis player.
The book is well-researched, featuring in-depth interviews of people close to Alcaraz who provide great insights into the making of one of tennis’s most exciting young talents.

From a modest apartment above a kebab shop in Alcaraz’s village, The Man Behind The Smile outlines his captivating journey as well as the emotional and the cultural forces that shaped his career.

Success, though, hasn’t made Alcaraz snobbish. His background, accent and personality still reflect his humble roots. He prefers not to be called ‘Carlos’ since it sounds serious. For years, people at his native place have called him ‘Carlitos’, which he likes since it’s friendlier and more personal. But when he is talking to himself during matches or when he is giving himself an off-court talk in front of the bathroom mirror, he calls himself Charlie. A family story about Alcaraz hiding his father’s car keys for several days when he was prevented from going to the country club to hone his skills speaks of his love for the game from a tender age.

The book also reveals Alcaraz’s love for chess, which he still plays while on tour. His grandfather showed him that chess could organise his mind. Alcaraz could see the similarities between the chessboard and the tennis court: the need to concentrate at all times knowing that a momentary lapse would cost him a victory.

Alcaraz has aspired to be great for as long as he can remember. Mark Hodgkinson’s book helps readers understand what has gone into the making of one of tennis’s greats.