"We hate each other" - Carlos Alcaraz jokes about his relationship with Frances Tiafoe as they gear up for Charlotte Invitational

Carlos Alcaraz opened up about his bond with Frances Tiafoe as the two prepared to kick off their campaigns at the Charlotte Invitational. The Spaniard jokingly said they "hate" each other.

Alcaraz wrapped up his season in style, capturing two Grand Slams at the French Open and Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Tiafoe, who had a slow start, bounced back by reaching the semifinals of the US Open. Both are now enjoying their off-season and participating in the Charlotte Invitational exhibition event, which also features Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys.

Before they went to court, Alcaraz and Tiafoe attended a press conference together. When asked about his relationship with the American, the young Spaniard responded:

"We hate each other. I think we have a really good relationship off the court. When we play each other on court, we have huge respect to each other. I think that's great for tennis and for the competition."

Tiafoe joined in with a laugh, sharing a funny story about how he always seems to run into Carlos Alcaraz at a restaurant during tournaments:

"I agree. We have had some great battles, obviously. We get along really well. He copies all the restaurants I go so I run into him in a restaurant once a tournament for sure. That's always pretty funny. It's great."

"He is a hell of a player and will continue to be for a very long time. Hopefully, we both show up tonight and play some decent tennis," he added.

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Frances Tiafoe to kick off 2025 season at Brisbane International, Carlos Alcaraz confident of winning Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe pictured at Wimbledon 2024 | Image Source: Getty

Frances Tiafoe is set to kick off his 2025 season at the Brisbane International in Australia, starting on December 30. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz’s next tournament has yet to be announced, but the Spaniard has already made a bold claim about winning the Australian Open.

Alcaraz told the media at the start of the month:

"I'm sure I'll be the Australian champion sooner or later. Let's hope it happens this year. For me it is very important to complete the remaining ('big') ones."

If Alcaraz lifts the trophy in Melbourne, he will achieve the Career Golden Slam, completing victories at all four Majors at least once. If he accomplishes this by 2027, he will surpass Rafael Nadal as the youngest player to reach this historic milestone.