Inspiring story of the day: “My grandfather always told me to focus on the Three Cs: Cabeza, Corazón y Cojones” - How Carlos Alcaraz turned three generations of family love into tennis immortality

Carlos Alcaraz’s rise to seven Grand Slam titles has been shaped by more than his talent on the tennis court. A lesson from his grandfather, Carlos Alcaraz Lerma, became one of the most personal parts of his career: “Cabeza, corazón y cojones” - head, heart and courage. Alcaraz later had the three Cs tattooed on his wrist as a reminder of that message. His close relationship with former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero also played a major role in his development. Together, those family and coaching ties helped shape the player who became the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam in 2026.What did Carlos Alcaraz’s grandfather teach him about the Three CsThe phrase came from Alcaraz’s grandfather and stayed with him as he grew up in El Palmar, Murcia. The three words are “Cabeza, corazón y cojones”, which mean head, heart and courage, with the final Spanish word being a much stronger and more informal expression.For Alcaraz, the idea was simple. He needed his head to make the right decisions, his heart to play with passion and courage to take risks when the pressure was highest.Alcaraz has spoken about the message before, saying:“My grandfather always told me to focus on the Three Cs: head, heart, and balls.”The words became closely linked with his identity as a player. His tennis is built around attacking shots, quick movement and a willingness to try difficult plays even when a match is going against him.The story also has a strong family connection. Alcaraz’s grandfather was involved with tennis in El Palmar, where the young player spent part of his early years around the sport.That makes the “Three Cs” more than a slogan. It is a piece of advice that Alcaraz has carried from his childhood into the biggest matches of his career.Why did Carlos Alcaraz get the Three Cs tattooAfter breaking through at the highest level, Alcaraz chose to keep his grandfather’s message with him permanently. In 2022, he got a CCC tattoo, representing “Cabeza, Corazón y Cojones.”The tattoo became a visible reminder of the words that had followed him through his early tennis career. Reports at the time said the tattoo was placed on his wrist and was connected directly to his grandfather’s motto.The timing was also significant. Alcaraz had just enjoyed the breakthrough season that changed his career. He won his first Masters 1000 title in Miami in April 2022 and then won his first Grand Slam at the US Open later that year.By September 2022, he had also become the youngest player to reach No. 1 in the ATP rankings at 19 years and four months. He finished that season as the youngest year-end No. 1 in ATP history.The tattoo therefore came during the period when Alcaraz was moving from a highly rated teenager to one of the biggest names in tennis.Rather than choosing a trophy or a tournament date, he picked something tied to his family.How did Juan Carlos Ferrero become like a second father to Carlos AlcarazAlcaraz’s grandfather gave him the message, but Juan Carlos Ferrero became one of the most important people in turning that young talent into a top-level player.Ferrero, a former world No. 1 and 2003 French Open champion, began working with Alcaraz when the Spaniard was a teenager. Alcaraz trained at Ferrero’s academy in Villena, Spain, and their relationship grew far beyond normal coach-player duties.Alcaraz has openly described Ferrero as his mentor and second father.“He was my mentor. Everything that I’ve done is thanks to him. I learned a lot, not only professionally, but the personal part as well. He’s my second father… I am the person and the player I am today thanks to him.”Those comments came after years of working together. Ferrero also described Alcaraz as being like a fourth child to him, showing how close the relationship had become.One of the most emotional moments in their relationship came in 2022. Ferrero’s father, Eduardo Ferrero, died suddenly in March while Juan Carlos was in the United States with Alcaraz. Ferrero returned to Spain for the funeral before coming back to Miami, where Alcaraz was preparing for the tournament final.Alcaraz went on to beat Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-4 in the Miami final to win his first Masters 1000 title. Afterward, the two shared an emotional moment.Their professional partnership eventually ended in December 2025 after about seven years. Even then, Alcaraz made clear how much Ferrero had meant to his career, calling their time together an important chapter of his life.How have Carlos Alcaraz’s family lessons followed him into tennis historyThe clearest proof of Alcaraz’s growth came in 2026.He entered the Australian Open without a title at Melbourne Park, but defeated Novak Djokovic in the final to win his seventh Grand Slam. That victory completed all four major titles for Alcaraz: the US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros and Australian Open.At 22 years and 272 days, he became the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam in the Open Era.His Grand Slam record now includes two US Open titles, two Wimbledon titles, two French Open titles and one Australian Open title.Even with those achievements, the idea behind the Three Cs remains easy to understand. Head is about making good decisions. Heart is about loving the game. Courage is about taking the shot when the moment demands it.That message began with his grandfather and became part of Alcaraz’s identity long before he was winning major trophies. His tattoo keeps those words close, while the years with Ferrero helped him learn how to handle the pressure that comes with becoming a champion.And now, at 23, Alcaraz is already a seven-time major winner and a Career Grand Slam champion. His records have grown, but the family lesson behind the three letters has stayed remarkably simple.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.