Carlos Alcaraz may be one of the biggest and brightest tennis stars working today, but it seems his heart is firmly set on golf.
After all, his recently acquired love for the sport has seen him play with many renowned athletes whenever he has a free moment.
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Golf is often the natural transition for retired tennis players, with Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray both taking up the sport in recent years.
However, seeing Alcaraz, who is still at the peak of his career, so captivated, makes him an exception.
When Carlos Alcaraz met Rory McIlroy
What makes this story even more ironic is how stunned the Spaniard seemed when he had the opportunity to meet one of his contemporary golfing heroes: Rory McIlroy.
Speaking at the US Open last year, in an event he would go on to win, Alcaraz admitted: “It was the first time I met him. It was such an honor. I admire him a lot. I’m just a big golf fan.”
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
He then remembers the first time they spoke: “On the last day of the Masters, I just won Monte Carlo, and during my celebration I was on the phone, I was cheering him on, I was supporting him. It was an incredible experience for me to meet him and (have) the chance to talk with him a little bit.
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“As a person, he seems like a really good guy, a very relatable person. As an athlete, he’s shown what he’s capable of, his swing, his golf. It’s just amazing to watch his golf. So I admire him a lot.”
Carlos Alcaraz explains his love for golf
Also in 2025, Alcaraz was asked where his love for golf began.
He was more than happy to respond, saying: “I started playing at the beginning of 2020. I love playing.
“I used to go hit balls at the driving range when I was very, very young. I loved it, but since 2020 I just started playing more, going out on the course, playing a few holes. I just fell in love with golf.
Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for the Laver Cup
“I started playing more and more. I saw myself getting better, so that got me even more involved in golf, and it resonated with me. I really feel at peace when I go out and play golf on the golf course.”
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He concluded by sharing his handicap, adding: “My handicap right now is 14. It’s coming down, but it takes time. I mean, for me, it’s a privilege to have time to play golf, to be honest.”
