Key Takeaways
- Carlos Alcaraz revealed during an interview with Tomas Martin Etcheverry that his golf handicap has reached 11.
- The world number 3 named Indian Wells as his favourite tournament outside Spain due to its relaxing setting and golf access.
- Alcaraz encouraged aspiring young players to dream big and enjoy their personal tennis journeys.
Off-court conversation highlights Spaniard’s favourite hobby
Carlos Alcaraz shared a relaxed discussion about his life outside competition during an appearance on Tomas Martin Etcheverry’s tour vlog. Speaking while competing at the Shanghai Masters, the world number 3 reflected on his dedication to golf, his favourite stops on the ATP Tour and the mindset he recommends for aspiring tennis talents.
When questioned about his preferred tournament staged outside of Spain, Alcaraz quickly identified the Indian Wells Masters. Beyond the high-stakes tennis in California, the setting provides convenient access to golf courses that allow him to unwind during tournament trips.
Alcaraz’s dedication to golf extends beyond casual rounds. He revealed that his golf handicap has dropped down to 11, drawing an enthusiastic reaction from Etcheverry. The Spaniard added that there have been stretches during his career where he ended up playing more rounds of golf than tennis matches.
Inspiration for young tennis players
The exchange between the competitors turned toward guiding the next generation when Etcheverry asked what message Alcaraz would deliver to young fans hoping to follow his path to the professional tour.
Alcaraz urged young players to aim high, voice their goals openly and disregard outside doubts about their capabilities. He stressed that enjoying the overall experience remains just as vital as pursuing competitive milestones.
Current form at the Shanghai Masters
The off-court dialogue surfaced as both players experienced contrasting fortunes in Shanghai. Etcheverry, the 28th seed, was eliminated in his opening match by Czech qualifier Dalibor Svrcina. Alcaraz, coming off a tournament victory in Tokyo, began his run with a straight-sets 6-3, 6-3 triumph against Juan Manuel Cerundolo and moves on to face Zizou Bergs.
ATP Shanghai - Carlos Alcaraz's projected path
Alcaraz in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently ranked no.3, Carlos has managed to achieve an overall 33-4 match record in 2026. The Spaniard is currently playing in Shanghai where he ousted the world no.55 Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3 6-3.
Carlos Alcaraz will take on the world no.9 Alex De Minaur in the Round Robin on Unknown at 5:00 pm on Court 1. Their actual head to head record is 6-0 for Alcaraz.
Carlos conquered 3 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open, Doha and Tokyo.
Carlos won 28 titles in his career: 11 on hard courts, 11 on clay courts, 2 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Tomas Martin Etcheverry in 2026
At the moment ranked no.31, Tomas Martin played his last match on the 10th of October when he surrendered to world no.126 Dalibor Svrcina 6-3 3-6 7-5 in the 2nd round in Shanghai (draw).
During this season the Argentine has managed to achieve an overall 26-25 record. Etcheverry has won 1 title in Rio de Janeiro.
Carlos Alcaraz and Tomas Martin Etcheverry played each other only twice. The head to head is 2-0 for Alcaraz.
