Amid the lush green courts of the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club, London, on June 18, 2025, Carlos Alcaraz served up more than just aces. The 22-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, fresh off a commanding 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Adam Walton, found himself in a lighthearted off-court moment that has fans buzzing. During a playful interview with comedian Josh Berry, Alcaraz tackled the infamous “kiss, marry, kill” game, choosing between tennis titans Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. His answers, delivered with a mischievous grin, revealed a blend of rivalry, reverence, and humor that has set social media alight.
The HSBC Championships, a prestigious ATP 500 event, marks the transition from the clay of Roland Garros to the grass of Wimbledon, and Alcaraz is no stranger to success here. Having clinched the Queen’s Club title in 2023 en route to his first Wimbledon crown, and defended his Wimbledon title in 2024, the Spaniard is a grass-court force. But it was his candid responses during Berry’s interview that stole the spotlight. When asked to assign “kiss, marry, kill” to the Big Three, Alcaraz didn’t hesitate. “I’d kill Novak,” he said, his eyes twinkling with competitive fire. “Winning that final of Olympics.” The reference was unmistakable: the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Djokovic bested Alcaraz in straight sets to claim the elusive gold medal, a defeat that clearly still stings. “I could marry Rafa Nadal,” he continued, his tone softening with admiration for his childhood idol. For Federer, Alcaraz chose “kiss,” a diplomatic nod to the Swiss maestro’s elegance and legacy.
The crowd roared with laughter, and Alcaraz’s choices sparked a frenzy online. Fans praised his honesty, with some joking that the Olympic loss had left a deeper mark than expected. Others celebrated his affection for Nadal, a fellow Spaniard whose 14 French Open titles and relentless spirit have inspired Alcaraz since he first picked up a racket. “Rafa is my idol, my inspiration,” Alcaraz has said in the past, and his decision to “marry” Nadal reflects a bond that transcends the court. The two shared the Olympic stage in 2024, partnering in doubles as “Nadalcaraz,” reaching the quarterfinals and delighting fans with their chemistry. Nadal, now retired, has often spoken of Alcaraz’s potential, calling him “an animal” after a 2024 exhibition match. The mutual respect is palpable, and Alcaraz’s choice underscores a desire to carry forward Nadal’s legacy.
As for Djokovic, Alcaraz’s playful “kill” choice hints at a fierce rivalry that has defined recent seasons. The Serbian, with 24 Grand Slam titles, remains a formidable foe. Their clashes, from the 2023 Wimbledon final, where Alcaraz triumphed in five sets, to the Olympic final, have been instant classics. “Novak showed how much of a role model he is,” Alcaraz’s rival Jannik Sinner once said, but for Alcaraz, the competitive edge is personal. His Olympic reference suggests a hunger for redemption, perhaps at Wimbledon 2025, where he aims to extend his 14-match grass-court win streak.
Berry’s interviews, a highlight of the HSBC Championships, brought out similar humor from other players. Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, dodged the question entirely, laughing, “There’s no way I’m answering this!” Her reluctance only amplified the fun, but Alcaraz’s willingness to play along showcased his charisma. Off the court, he’s a box-office star, engaging fans with his infectious smile and swashbuckling style. On it, he’s a relentless competitor, as evidenced by his recent French Open title defense against Sinner, a five-hour, 29-minute epic that saw him save three match points.
As Alcaraz prepares for his next match against Jaume Munar at Queen’s Club, where he leads their head-to-head 2-1, the tennis world is abuzz with his latest antics. His “kiss, marry, kill” moment is more than just a laugh—it’s a window into the mind of a young champion navigating the shadows of giants. With Federer retired, Nadal stepping away, and Djokovic nearing the end of his career, Alcaraz is poised to lead the sport’s new era alongside Sinner. For now, though, he’s content to stir the pot, pay homage to his hero, and keep fans guessing about what he’ll do—or say—next.
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