Carlos Alcaraz has firmly established himself as Spain’s latest tennis sensation, having captured three of the four Grand Slam titles, with his most recent triumph coming at the French Open.
In a thrilling five-set final, Alcaraz saved three championship points to defeat world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, showcasing the same resilience that has propelled him to the top of the sport.
But Alcaraz isn’t the only Spaniard making waves in his sport. Veteran Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso remains a standout at 43, widely respected despite not having claimed a Grand Prix win since 2013 or added to his two world titles since 2006.
When asked who he’d choose as a doubles partner from the F1 world, Alcaraz had a clear answer: “Definitely Fernando Alonso,” he told ATP. “He knows how to play tennis, and I think he’d be a great teammate.”
Alcaraz expressed deep respect for the challenges F1 drivers face. “I admire F1 because it’s such a team sport,” he said. “You have to follow what the team says. In tennis, you’re on your own and have to give everything you’ve got.”
This isn’t the first time Alcaraz has publicly supported Alonso. During the 2023 Miami Open, after a match win, he wrote “33? Soon?” on the camera lens, referencing Alonso’s pursuit of a 33rd Grand Prix victory.
Explaining the gesture, Alcaraz told ATPTour.com: “I’m backing Fer to get that 33rd win in Australia. What he’s doing at his age is incredible. He’s practically still in the title fight — it’s amazing to see.”
Though Alonso’s 33rd win still eludes him, he has no bigger fan than Alcaraz. “I wasn’t always into F1,” the tennis star admitted, “but Fernando has turned me into a fan. He’s got me watching the races and cheering him on. That camera message was the least I could do.”
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