Carlos Alcaraz Says There Are No Friends on Tennis Courts

Carlos Alcaraz puts his friendships aside while playing tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz downplayed friendships in tennis. / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

One of the lighter moments of Wednesday's action at Wimbledon was the friendly banter between Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe. The two players are now slated to face each other in the third round.

After Tiafoe won his second round match against Borna Coric, he said, "I hope he [Alcaraz] wins because I want to go for him."

Alcaraz did win and returned the trash talk, saying, "I'm coming for him." It was all in good fun between the two friends, but do not expect them to be buddy-buddy on the tennis court.

When speaking with members of the Wimbledon Press, Alcaraz praised Tiafoe as a player and person but downplayed their friendship.

Carlos Alcaraz says there are no friends on the court, ‘You have to be on your own’

“I have a really good relationship with a lot of players. But once you step on the court, there are no friends. You have to be on your own. Focus on yourself. And you try to beat them. That’s how… pic.twitter.com/EZOBwjve9S

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 3, 2024

Alcaraz said, "I have a really good relationship with a lot of players. But once you step on the court, there are no friends. You have to be on your own. Focus on yourself. And you try to beat them. That's how tennis works. Frances is a great player. Great person as well."

Alcaraz continued, "He always smiles. He always seems like he's enjoying his time on and off the court. It's pretty impressive. Trying to put a show every time he steps on court. It's going to be a fun match to play and to watch. I'll try to use my good weapons in the match and try to beat him."

Alcaraz and Tiafoe are scheduled to play on Friday, July 5. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

Further Reading: Arthur Rinderknech said Taylor Fritz "cried" and "whined" during their last match.