The Champion's Home

After a thrilling five-set win to capture his first Wimbledon title on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz stepped to the microphone on Centre Court and praised the tennis legend he just defeated.

“I have to congratulate Novak (Djokovic),” he said. “It’s amazing to play against him. You inspired me a lot. I started playing tennis watching you.”

Alcaraz isn’t a superstar who just throws around empty cliches of humility, though.

Despite being ranked No. 1 in the world and a multimillionaire at just 20 years old, Alcaraz doesn’t live in a palace, mansion or posh apartment.

He mostly resides in a cottage on the training grounds of the academy he grew up playing in that looks a little more like a military barracks than the residence of a now two-time Grand Slam champion.

Why’s this relevant to us as coaches, executives and teachers?

We often attain some level of achievement and decide we need to alter our lives. We buy glitzy new products, upgrade our homes or make fancy new purchases that signify that we’ve accomplished something.

But with success can also come complacency and an impulse to deviate from what got us here in the first place.

Despite the fact Alcaraz can likely afford any car in the world or live any lifestyle he chooses, he has remained determined to avoid distractions.

He recognizes that his foundation and modest choices are what got him to the top of the tennis world — and he doesn’t want to abandon his roots.

As leaders, we need to recognize that current success isn’t always a predictor of future success. It can easily change us if we’re not grounded or get too far ahead of ourselves.

The elite in any industry are able to appreciate how their foundations shaped them — and not allow distractions or newfound recognition to shift their focus.

Reaching the top and staying there isn’t typically about dramatic shifts and a deviation from the standard.

It’s often about doubling down on our roots — remaining grounded with each achievement.