“I’m free!” Carlos Alcaraz laughs off viral relationship question after Turin win

Carlos Alcaraz didn’t drop a set in his 2025 Nitto ATP Finals debut—but he was briefly thrown off his game by an unexpected question during his post-match press conference.

The top-seeded Spaniard opened his campaign with a 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory over No. 7 seed Alex de Minaur on Sunday. The victory placed him second in the Jimmy Connors Group, just behind Taylor Fritz, who also won in straight sets and holds a narrow edge based on percentage of games won.

Read More: Carlos Alcaraz begins "real big and important week" at ATP Finals with round-robin win over Alex de Minaur

Afterward, Alcaraz fielded a surprise question from Elena Vesnina—a former Olympic gold medalist and doubles world No. 1—now reporting for Russian outlet BB Tennis. Rather than a question about tactics or performance, she asked about his love life:

Q. I think you answered all the questions about the match today. But I have a different question from a lot of girls around the world. Your heart has been taken?
CARLOS ALCARAZ: Sorry?

Q. Your heart has been taken? Are you free or taken?
CARLOS ALCARAZ: No, I'm free. I'm free. I'm free (laughter)

While a slightly puzzled Alcaraz confirmed that he’s single, the topic is hardly surprising given the public fascination surrounding the sport’s rising stars.

With six Grand Slam titles, more than $54.7 million in career prize money, and nearly eight million Instagram followers, Alcaraz is already one of the world’s most famous and successful young athletes—and, inevitably, a subject of curiosity beyond the court.

Read More: Carlos Alcaraz surpasses 50 million dollars in career prize money after winning the US Open

His peers aren’t immune to the attention, either. From Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz to Ben Shelton, several top players have seen their relationships—rumored or confirmed— draw plenty of interest. Sinner has been linked to Danish model Laila Hasanovic, while Fritz and Shelton are going strong with influencer Morgan Riddle and soccer player Trinity Rodman, respectively.

As for Alcaraz, he remains focused on his next match in Turin—facing No. 6 seed Fritz on Tuesday in a showdown that will decide the Jimmy Connors Group leader. It’s another key step in his pursuit of his first year-end title and a second year-end No. 1 finish.

According to the ATP, Alcaraz can secure the top spot by reaching the final with at least one round robin win, or by sweeping his round-robin matches.