U.S. Open, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Carlos Alcaraz entertained tennis and golf fans alike with a whimsical golf celebration following his victory over Arthur Rinderknech at the U.S. Open. The 22-year-old showcased his growing interest in golf as he emulated a golf swing with his racket after securing a spot in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz’s light-hearted antics and recent buzzcut drew attention, especially after he met a well-known golfer during the event. His mix of sportsmanship and humor keeps fans engaged as he progresses deeper into the tournament.
New York — Alcaraz Brings a Golfer’s Flair to the Tennis Court After U.S. Open Quarterfinals Berth
Carlos Alcaraz turned a big tennis win into a playful moment for golf fans and tennis followers alike after moving into the U.S. Open quarterfinals. The 22-year-old produced a hard-fought three-set victory over Arthur Rinderknech, then celebrated in a way that had the crowd laughing and talking: after the customary hugs and the handshake with the chair umpire, he grabbed his racket like it was a golf club and pretended to launch an imaginary drive into the stands.
The lighthearted mimic was more than a one-off gesture. Alcaraz has been open about his growing interest in golf and has even been working on the sport away from the baseline. His on-court antics made it clear he’s comfortable mixing his two sporting worlds — and he made a point of acknowledging a prominent name from the golf scene who was in the stands.
From tennis court to tee box — a growing golf habit
Alcaraz has not hidden that he’s tinkering with golf. Earlier this year he was reported to carry an 11.2 handicap, a clear sign he enjoys the game and is taking it seriously enough to track progress. Still, he’s the first to admit the golf swing isn’t quite at the level of his forehand, and he’s been treating the learning curve with a sense of humor and patience.
That playful humility came through when he imitated a swing for the crowd after his U.S. Open win. Instead of a posed victory routine, it felt like a wink to the many tennis players who moonlight on the green. Alcaraz joins a long list of top male players who enjoy golf — a list that includes veterans and big personalities of the sport, and even players like Sebastian Korda who straddle both sports within their families.
Buzzcut, big serve, and a brush with golf royalty
The tournament’s chatter wasn’t limited to his post-match golfing dramatics. Alcaraz debuted a new buzzcut earlier in the event, a noticeable change from the long hair fans had seen before. The fresh look arrived right before his first-round win over a big-serving opponent, and it drew attention off-court as much as his rallies did on-court.
Part of the buzz around the haircut came from an afternoon meeting with a top golfer who happened to be attending the event. Their conversation included compliments about the new look and left Alcaraz visibly pleased — he described the encounter as a special moment and a genuine honor. That meeting also served as small fuel for the celebrity-style celebration he later displayed.
Sportsmanship first
After the match that earned him the quarterfinal spot, Alcaraz made sure the sportsmanlike moments stood out. He hugged his opponent before the fun, acknowledged officials with the proper respect, and then let his personality shine. The golf imitation was friendly, self-deprecating, and perfectly timed for a crowd that knows professional athletes often take their leisure pursuits seriously.
For golf-minded tennis fans, those shared interests create a sense of community. Alcaraz has said he hopes to reach the same standard in golf as he has in tennis, while recognizing that it will take time and practice. For now, he’s content to enjoy both games and let the crowd in on the joke when the moment calls for it.
What’s next
With the quarterfinal berth secured, the focus shifts back to the path through the draw. Earlier in the tournament Alcaraz faced Mattia Bellucci in the second round, and that match was part of the momentum that brought him to this deeper stage. The attention now returns to his tennis schedule and how he manages energy, form, and perhaps a few more lighthearted nods to golf between matches.
Why golf and tennis link so well
Golf appeals to tennis players for a few good reasons: it’s competitive but low-impact, it offers concentration and strategy away from the high-octane grind of the tour, and it gives athletes a mental reset. When top players who love both sports share those hobbies publicly, it creates cross-sport stories that fans of either game can enjoy — and sometimes imitate in their own leisure time.
Final take
On a day when the tennis headlines were rightly about who moved on and who left the tournament, a little golf-inspired levity made the victory feel human and accessible. Alcaraz’s combination of serious tennis and playful golf moments keeps him relatable to viewers who love sport for the drama and the fun. As he continues through the U.S. Open, expect more intense tennis, perhaps another surprise haircut, and maybe an encore golf swing if the mood is right.
FAQs
Was the golf swing celebration serious or just a joke?
The imitation was a lighthearted, playful celebration following the match. It was meant as a humorous nod to Alcaraz’s interest in golf rather than a formal statement about the sport.
Does Alcaraz actually play golf competitively?
He plays recreationally and tracks his progress, with a reported handicap that shows he takes it seriously for a hobby rather than a second professional career.
Who did Alcaraz beat to reach the quarterfinals?
He defeated Arthur Rinderknech in a three-set match to secure his spot in the last eight of the tournament.
Did Alcaraz meet any golfers at the U.S. Open?
Yes, he had a notable meeting with a high-profile golfer who complimented his new haircut and attended matches during the event, which Alcaraz described as a memorable experience.
What other tennis stars play golf?
Several top male tennis players are known golf fans, including well-known veterans and younger pros; this crossover is common and often highlighted during tournaments and off-season play.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Result | Win over Arthur Rinderknech in three sets; advanced to quarterfinals |
| Player Age | 22 |
| Golf Handicap | Reported at 11.2 as of April |
| Notable Off-Court Moment | Debuted a buzzcut and met a top professional golfer who complimented his new look |
| Celebration Highlight | Pretended to hit a golf shot with his racket into the crowd after the win |
| Earlier Opponent in Tournament | Faced Mattia Bellucci in an earlier round en route to the later stages |
| Sportsmanship | Hugged opponent and shook hands with the chair umpire before celebrating |
Note: This write-up focuses on the crossover between competitive tennis and leisure golf, highlighting how players like Alcaraz keep their competitive edge while enjoying another sport. The emphasis is on informative, relatable coverage for golf enthusiasts who follow sporting personalities across different arenas.
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Additional Resources
- TalkSport: Alcaraz Haircut and McIlroy
- Golf Magic: PGA Tour Decision
- The Sport Review: Rory McIlroy on Alcaraz’s Haircut
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Golf Digest ME: Airplane Crash Landing
- Google Search: Carlos Alcaraz Golf
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