Carlos Alcaraz Leaves Alexander Zverev Bemused During a Conversation at the Italian Open

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated May 11, 2025 9:40 AM ET

Before his highly-awaited meeting with Laslo Djere during the Italian Open in Rome, Carlos Alcaraz gave a break in the warm-up tent with ATP ace Alexander Zverev—and this time, not tennis, but football.

The two encountered each other in the morning, which left Zverev surprised and wondering why Alcaraz was in the location so early for his match.

"Why are you here so early?" Zverev asked, probably looking for a tactical response relating to practice or a change in routine. But Alcaraz, with his signature smile, had a reason that was quite unlike anything else.

"Real Madrid-Barça at 4:15," Alcaraz stated, alluding to the much-anticipated El Clásico battle between Spain's two largest football clubs. Zverev, taken aback, inquired, "They don't play here, do they?"

"No, but I have to watch it," Alcaraz said with a chuckle.

A man’s gotta have priorities @carlosalcaraz ‍⚪️#IBI25 | #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/yKptHw6Cdn
— Internazionali BNL d'Italia (@InteBNLdItalia) May 11, 2025

"I'm going to warm up now so that I can watch it in peace," he stated, leaving no doubt that even during the midst of a Masters 1000 tournament, his football allegiances are still firmly in place.

Alcaraz is famous for being the big-time Madrid fan that he is, and it's not the first time football has had an impact on his tournament schedule or practice session activities.

The 21-year-old sensation hits the court some six hours after the interview, where he'll play against Serbia's Laslo Djere in an effort to keep up his resurgence.

In a time of earnest preparation and high stakes, Alcaraz's light-hearted exchange was a welcome reminder that even the best players still find time for the things they enjoy — particularly when it's El Clásico.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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