WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz belts out Sebastian Yatra’s hit tune; explains why Rafael Nadal was on his mind
Carlos Alcaraz’s first-round match at the US Open didn’t deliver in terms of quality, but fans were treated to an unexpected solo singing performance from the defending champion after the contest.
Playing in his first match on Arthur Ashe Stadium since winning the 2022 US Open, Alcaraz’s encounter against Dominik Koepfer lasted only 60 minutes as the German twisted his ankle early and eventually retired with the score 6-2, 3-2 in the Spaniard’s favour.
Naturally the reigning world No 1 commiserated with the injured Koepfer on his misfortune during the on-court interview, but things soon took a lighted-hearted twist.
Alcaraz is a big fan of Colombian singer Sebastian Yatra and the pair even teamed up during a doubles charity match ahead of the US Open. Naturally, the Latin pop star had front-row seats for Tuesday’s match as was seated in the two-time Grand Slam winner’s player’s box.
And the attention soon turned to Yatra’s hit single Vagabundo as Alcaraz was asked about it and he replied: “Little bit! A song that I listen a lot and… it’s great to have [him] here of course supporting the tennis, supporting me as well.”
He then gave his rendition, complete with some smooth dance moves.
Carlos Alcaraz can carry a tune 🎵
He gives his best @SebastianYatra impression! pic.twitter.com/qMbAZ3nG0g
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2023
During his post-match press conference he was asked his “vibe” with fans during his matches.
“We try to bring good vibes to the crowd, to the people,” he said. “I try to be myself all the time. I think the people love that part of me. I am always happy, smiling. I love that people call me Carlitos, my nickname. That’s it.
“It’s great to know that people love that, as well.”
Alcaraz donned a new colourful sleeveless shirt on Monday and he admitted afterwards that it reminded him of Rafael Nadal, who also wore a sleeveless shirt during his last title run at Flushing Meadows in 2019.
“When I wear the sleevesless [shirt], I was thinking about Rafa when he wore it. He won that US Open, right?” he asked.
“I love to wear that sometimes in some specific tournaments. Here in the US Open, I supposed to play last year, but it didn’t happen. This year it’s a good, good outfit, so I love it.”
