The Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell-72nd Trofeo Conde de Godó kicked off on Friday, April 18, 2025, with an exciting debut from Jaime Alcaraz, the younger brother of tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz. The 14-year-old, who is the second seed in the sub-14 tournament, made a memorable entrance by defeating Tim Franco with a decisive score of 6-2, 6-2 in just 49 minutes.
Jaime's match took place on Court 2 at the Real Club Tenis Barcelona, where a surprisingly large crowd gathered to witness his performance. The buzz around Jaime's debut was palpable, with many spectators eager to see if he could follow in his brother's illustrious footsteps. Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked number two in the world and a four-time Grand Slam champion, was on hand to support his brother, signing autographs for fans outside the court before heading off to prepare for his own match.
"Let's see how he hits the ball," said one young fan, reflecting the curiosity surrounding Jaime's performance. The atmosphere was electric, reminiscent of an ATP event, as fans filled the stands, eager to catch a glimpse of the next generation of Alcaraz talent.
Jaime's victory is particularly noteworthy as Carlos himself won the sub-14 title at this very tournament back in 2017, defeating Dani Rincón in the final. This familial connection adds an extra layer of excitement and pressure, as Jaime steps into the spotlight with a legacy to uphold.
As Jaime celebrated his win, Carlos was preparing to take the court against Australian player Alex de Miñaur at 4 PM on the same day. The match is highly anticipated, as Carlos looks to advance in the main tournament of the Barcelona Open, which has seen its share of thrilling matches over the years.
Other notable matches taking place on the same day include Pablo Jiménez versus Pepe García and Rafa García against Bence Markovits, all vying for a spot in the sub-14 semifinals. Meanwhile, Luca Daraban is set to face Teo Casadesús on the Andrés Gimeno court, adding to the day's excitement.
The women's tournament began on Thursday, April 17, 2025, with impressive victories from players such as Shiori García, Àstrid Roges, Paula Cortés, and Nonna de Ribot Montaner. As the tournament progresses, the semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, April 19, and the finals will take place on Sunday, April 20, promising an action-packed weekend for tennis fans.
Jaime's debut has sparked discussions about the pressures of being Carlos Alcaraz's younger brother. Carlos himself has expressed concern over the expectations placed on Jaime, urging fans and media to allow his brother to develop his game without undue pressure. "I just want people, and the networks, to leave him alone. I'm a bit worried that there are people who will go see him in tournaments just because he is my brother and will put pressure on him," Carlos stated last October.
Despite these concerns, the excitement surrounding Jaime's performance at the Conde de Godó is undeniable. The crowd's enthusiastic response to his match indicates that he is already making a name for himself in the tennis world. With his powerful strokes and competitive spirit, Jaime showcased skills that left many in attendance impressed.
"This one is going to be better than his brother," echoed some spectators, marveling at the young Alcaraz's talent and potential. The similarities in their playing styles—both exhibiting powerful forehands and deft drop shots—have drawn comparisons between the two brothers, fueling speculation about Jaime's future in the sport.
As the tournament unfolds, both Alcaraz brothers are on a quest for titles in their respective categories, adding an exciting narrative to the event. The Alcaraz family could be on the verge of a magical Semana Santa, with both brothers aiming for glory at one of Spain's most prestigious tennis tournaments.
As the day progresses, all eyes will be on Carlos as he takes the court to face De Miñaur, and fans will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on Jaime's continued success in the sub-14 tournament. The legacy of the Alcaraz name is firmly in play, and the tennis world is watching closely.
