Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old tennis phenom fresh off his 2025 French Open title defense, has once again proven he’s as captivating off the court as he is on it. In a riotous YouTube gaming stream hosted by Argentine player Federico Coria, Alcaraz found himself the target of playful trolling from Coria and recently retired star Diego Schwartzman. The lively banter, centered around a virtual tennis showdown, showcased Alcaraz’s quick wit and magnetic personality, offering fans a delightful peek into the camaraderie that fuels the ATP tour. With laughter echoing through the session, Alcaraz’s charm solidified his place as a global fan favorite.
The stream, broadcast on Coria’s YouTube channel under his nickname “La Mojarra,” featured the World No. 143 and Schwartzman, a former top-10 player who hung up his racket in early 2025, diving into *Tie Break*, a popular tennis video game. As they picked their in-game avatars for a doubles match, Alcaraz’s character appeared as an opponent alongside World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Coria, seizing the chance to stir the pot, unleashed a cheeky taunt. “Charly, we’re going to kick your ass with ‘Peque,’ we’re going to kick your ass with ‘Peque,’” he teased, using Schwartzman’s nickname, meaning “small” in Spanish. The mischievous jab set the stage for a cascade of hilarity that had viewers in stitches.
Alcaraz, riding high after his dramatic five-set French Open victory over Sinner—where he saved three match points to claim his fifth Grand Slam—responded with a WhatsApp voice note that sent Coria and Schwartzman into hysterics. “A big shout-out to ‘Peque,’ to ‘Mojarra,’ to the great Federico, enjoy yourselves and don’t do anything against my character, come on, he’s always the best, ‘SIUU’,” Alcaraz quipped, borrowing Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic celebration for extra flair. His mock-serious plea to spare his virtual persona’s dignity triggered an uproarious response. Schwartzman, ever the entertainer, shouted, “The people are on their feet here, Charly, the people are on their feet!” while Coria clapped and chanted, “Charly, Charly, Charly!” The trio’s electric chemistry turned the stream into a viral sensation, with fans flooding social media with clips and calling it “the funniest tennis moment of 2025.”
Coria, a 33-year-old ATP veteran known for his gritty baseline game, has built a loyal online following through his YouTube channel, where he shares tour vlogs, gaming sessions, and candid reflections. His partnership with Schwartzman, who has embraced retirement with media projects and coaching stints, highlighted the tight-knit bonds forged on tour. Their decision to rope in Alcaraz was a nod to shared history: Coria defeated a 16-year-old Alcaraz 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 at the 2020 Rio Open, while Alcaraz bested Schwartzman 6-4, 6-2 in the 2022 Rio final. These past battles added a layer of nostalgia to their playful ribbing, making the stream a celebration of tennis’s enduring friendships.
Alcaraz’s ability to shine in such moments reflects his grounded nature, a trait explored in his April 2025 Netflix documentary, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*. The series delved into his struggle to balance fame with his love for the game, a theme echoed in his carefree interaction with Coria and Schwartzman. “I just want to keep in my path, keep it my own way,” Alcaraz said at the Italian Open, brushing off scrutiny over off-court antics like his post-2023 French Open Ibiza trip. That authenticity, followed by titles at Queen’s and Wimbledon, has endeared him to fans worldwide.
As Alcaraz gears up for the Queen’s Club Championships, facing Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his opener, his grass-court season looms large. With a 12-match Wimbledon win streak and a 2023 Queen’s title, he’s a favorite to three-peat at SW19. The stream, brimming with laughter and “SIUU” swagger, showcased his knack for connecting with peers and fans alike. As Coria and Schwartzman cheered their virtual rival, Alcaraz’s star power—on clay, grass, or a gaming screen—continues to captivate, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in his meteoric rise.
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