TENNIS: Federer's smooth golf swing in Melbourne leaves Alcaraz impressed

MELBOURNE — Carlos Alcaraz discovered that Roger Federer’s elegance goes far beyond the tennis court after the two played a round of golf together in Melbourne during the Australian Open.

The young Spaniard has never hidden his love for golf. Even with a busy Grand Slam schedule, Alcaraz often finds time to enjoy the sport. During his U.S. Open victory last year, he even celebrated key wins by mimicking golf swings.

After beating Yannick Hanfmann to secure his place in the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, Alcaraz’s on-court interview quickly shifted to his golf experience with Federer.

“It’s as beautiful as his tennis,” Alcaraz said, praising the Swiss legend’s golfing skills.

“I’m not surprised. It’s unbelievable. Everything he does, he does in style — really beautiful. On the golf course, he has a really beautiful swing. He plays really well.”

Although Alcaraz is already comfortable on the golf course, Federer has improved quickly since retiring from tennis in 2022.

“I think he has been playing for two years now, and his level is really good,” Alcaraz said.

“I’ve been playing for five years, and he’s already beating me.

“It hurts, yeah.”

Alcaraz, who will face French 32nd seed Corentin Moutet as he continues his quest to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, said he would always make time for golf.

“We can always find time,” Alcaraz said. “We’re trying to make the most of the day.”

“I don’t know what’s coming tomorrow. I need to talk to my team. I’ll probably practice a little because I want to be better in the next round, but the golf courses are waiting for me.”

-Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters