


He's done it: Carlos Alcaraz made tennis history with his thrilling victory in the final against Novak Djokovic at the 2026 Australian Open. At just 22 years old, the Spaniard is the youngest player ever to complete the prestigious "Career Grand Slam" - winning all four major tournaments. But while the world marvels at his forehand and his physique, one secret of his success often lies on a completely different terrain: the golf course.
The fact that Alcaraz swaps the racquet for the Driver is no longer a coincidence. For world number one Carlos Alcaraz, golf is far more than just a pastime. It is his method of escaping the enormous pressure of the Tour. "It gives me peace and quiet," he explained in the run-up to his record hunt. Especially during the energy-sapping weeks of a Grand Slam, he consistently uses his days off for an 18-hole round. His current handicap of around 11, which he reveals in the video with DeChmbeau, clearly shows that Alcaraz means business. Just last summer, his handicap was 14.
Find out more about other tennis stars who love golf here.
A special highlight of his passion for golf was released shortly after his triumph in Melbourne. In the popular YouTube series "Break 50", Alcaraz competed together with golf star Bryson DeChambeau. Although the video only appeared after the Australian Open victory, it provides a fascinating look at the "pre-Slam" Alcaraz.
In the challenge, in which the duo attempted to achieve a score of under 50 strokes, Alcaraz visibly impressed US Open champion DeChambeau. His athletic swing - described by Bryson as "just sick" - and his ability to maintain focus under pressure were particularly noticeable. In the video, Alcaraz philosophizes about the winning gene: "True champions want to go through the fire. You have to learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable moments." It was probably this mentality that gave him the decisive advantage in the final against Djokovic.
"Golf is like tennis: you can't reach your best level 85% of the time. The difference between the top 5 and the rest is how you survive on those bad days." - Carlos Alcaraz in conversation with Bryson DeChambeau
The Spaniard's journey to becoming a golf enthusiast only began in 2020, but since then he has been collecting celebrity teammates like other autographs.
With the Australian Open title under his belt and his trophy collection complete, "Charlie", as he is known to friends, is already looking ahead. His goal for the rest of the 2026 season is nothing less than the "Calendar Grand Slam" - winning all four majors in one calendar year.
It seems certain that he will keep the necessary calm to achieve this. Because no matter how heated the duels on the center court get, the next round of golf is already firmly planned in Carlos Alcaraz's calendar. As Bryson DeChambeau aptly remarked: "He is a fighter who never gives up - regardless of whether he has to fend off a match ball or has a difficult Putter ahead of him."
19 Feb 2026
Carlos Alcaraz plays golf at the ProAm of the Spanish Open 2025 (Photo: Imago / CordonPress)