In the heart of the Murcia orchard, a district emerges that has seen one of the most promising tennis players of the ATP circuit flourish: Carlos Alcaraz. This little town has witnessed their first steps in tennis and, today, proudly celebrates its worldwide success.
The tennis player was born in The palmar In 2003, being the son of Carlos Alcaraz González, a professional gut who, after his career, founded the School of Tennis in the Murcia Campo Clubknown locally as “pigeon shooting.” From an early age, Carlitos – as he is known affectionately – showed a great passion for tennis, accompanying his father to the slopes and, at four years, he was already beginning to wield the racket. At nine years, he began his formal training with the coach Kiko Navarrowho remembers that since then an exceptional talent was perceived.
His academic training also took place in this same area, in the IES Marqués de los Vélez, where your teachers highlight their dedication y work capacity. Carlos Alcaraz always struggled to the fullest to combine his studies with sport, demonstrating admirable intelligence and discipline.
El Palmar, with almost 23,000 inhabitants, is the largest district of Murcia. Its history dates back to the seventeenth century, when Juan de Verástegui He promoted his repopulation. But the name of El Palmar has an interesting root: it is believed that the origin of the name refers to Don Juan’s place. According to the tradition, this name is derived from a former land owner of the area, a nobleman named Don Juan, who, in the 16th century, settled A series of palm trees in the region As part of his possessions. These palms, which were part of their agricultural legacy, would have given rise to the name we know today. The term “place” refers to an extension of land or property, a common use in the Spanish toponymy of the time.
The municipality has a rich cultural and architectural heritage. The church of The Purísima Concepción, Baroque style, it is one of its main emblems. Built in the seventeenth century and restored in the XX, the Church houses the image of the Virgen del Rosario, which is taken in procession every October. In addition, it has two medieval castles: the LOB CASTILLO and the Location Castle. These fortifications, built in the twelfth century, offer impressive panoramic views of the Segura Valley And they are ideal for lovers of hiking and history.
Parish of La Purísima Concepción
Carlos Alcaraz’s success has put El Palmar on the world map and he wanted to pay tribute to his illustrious neighbor with a giant mural on Calle Mayor, where Carlos himself welcomes those who visit it.
In addition, the field club, where Carlos gave his first rackets, has experienced an increase in the influx of young people interested in tennis, inspired by their success. The Tennis Federation of the Region of Murcia He has seen a significant increase in the number of federative licenses, especially among children under 18, reflecting Carlos’s positive impact on regional sport.
