Carlos Alcaraz joins Alexander Zverev courtside to watch Miami Heat in action, hopes to catch NBA fan Frances Tiafoe next time
Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev enjoyed the Miami Heat's home game against the New York Knicks from their courtside seats. The pair noted the absence of avid basketball fan Frances Tiafoe from the match.
Following his third ATP Masters 1000 title win at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Carlos Alcaraz made use of his time off prior to the 2023 Miami Open by attending an NBA match. On March 22, he watched the Miami Heat defeat the New York Knicks 127-120 with Miami star Jimmy Butler scoring 37 points.
Alexander Zverev, who was also present at the match, commented on the bizarreness of not having Frances Tiafoe courtside for the game. However, he shared a clip of a smiling Alcaraz and deemed the World No. 1 a "happy replacement" for the American.
"NBA game and no @bigfoe1998 courtside? That's alright @carlitosalcarazz is a happy replacement," Zverev shared.
Carlos Alcaraz reshared Zverev's clip and expressed his desire to catch Frances Tiafoe the next time he attended an NBA match.
"I should see you next time @bigfoe1998," Alcaraz posted.
The official Miami Heat Instagram account posted pictures of all the celebrities present at the match, which included Alcaraz and Zverev, with the Spaniard even holding up his very own No. 23 Miami Heat jersey.
"The stars are out in Miami," the post was captioned.
Carlos Alcaraz maintains a relaxed attitude ahead of title defense at Miami Open 2023
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud to win his first ever ATP Masters 1000 title at the 2022 Miami Open. The 19-year-old will have to defend his title in Miami to hang on to his World No. 1 ranking that he recovered from Novak Djokovic after winning the 2023 Indian Wells Masters.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Miami Open on March 21, Alcaraz maintained a composed and relaxed attitude regarding the pressure on him to defend his title.
“I don’t feel the pressure too much. I know the things I have to do. I need to play relaxed and not mind if I lose or if I play well or not," he said.
The World No. 1 stated that his goal on the court is always to maintain a positive mentality which allows him to feel comfortable and enjoy his game.
“My goal is always the same. To feel comfortable on court. To enjoy playing tennis and try to have great thoughts when playing. And that is why I am playing at a good level. I am enjoying every single second and playing relaxed. That is what I am thinking about on court,” he added.
Carlos Alcaraz will take on Facundo Bagnis in the second round to begin his title defense at the 2023 Miami Open.