Carlos Alcaraz hails Rafael Nadal's golf proficiency while putting with his tennis racket
Carlos Alcaraz is a top tennis player. So is Rafael Nadal. They both enjoy golf and at Wimbledon, Alcaraz got the chance to show off some of his skills.
These include putting with a tennis racket, which he was surprisingly good at as he showed off his skills at SW19.
Alcaraz held up his racket:
"This is my putter. If I could putt with this on the golf course, it's easier for me."
He was then asked which tennis player was the best golfer, and there was no hesitation from him in saying that it was Nadal. He also shouted out Casper Ruud, but he believes Nadal has a lower handicap.
The professionals Alcaraz was working with also putted with his tennis racket, but they had far less success.
The tennis star was actually a better putter with the racket, as evidenced by his being the only one to actually sink the putt with it. Everyone else missed it.
Alcaraz won't be able to play with the racket on the golf course, but it's clear he has an appreciation and love for a sport that is pretty different from his own.
Carlos Alcaraz opens up on why he plays golf
It's fairly common for professional athletes to take up golf during the offseason or in their spare time. It's even more common for them to take it up in retirement. Gareth Bale, Michael Phelps, Stephen Curry, Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, Austin Reaves and many others are examples. So is Carlos Alcaraz.
Golf is quite different from tennis, Alcaraz's main sport. That's what he likes about it.
He explains (via Tennis Tonic):
“It allows me to disconnect from the intensity of the tennis court and focus on something completely different. The mental aspect of golf is fascinating; it requires patience, precision, and a calm mind, which are skills that I find beneficial on the tennis court as well.”
He also views golf as an escape. He admitted that while he's on the course, he isn't concerned with his training schedule or when he has to play next. Alcaraz is simply enjoying the game, the fresh air and the challenge that golf is. He noted that it's a "perfect" way to recharge both physically and mentally.
Golf has also been instrumental in forming some of Alcaraz's relationships:
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredible people through golf, and it’s always nice to share a round with friends, family or even fellow athletes. It’s a great way to bond and have fun.”
Whenever Alcaraz decides to hang up his tennis racket, which won't be for some time in all likelihood, he might have a path in golf to pursue.