Carlos Alcaraz Embraces James Bond Persona at Laver Cup Gala
The tennis star donned a tuxedo and struck playful poses in London ahead of the team competition.
Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz channeled his inner James Bond on Thursday night, appearing in a black tuxedo at an event in London.
Alcaraz, 23, returned to the city for the Opening Night Gala for the 2026 Laver Cup, speaking to reporters at the O2 Arena following his recent US Open campaign. He had reached the quarter-finals of the US Open before losing to Ben Shelton in a match that concluded at 3:30 a.m. local time, marking the latest finish in the tournament's history.
This appearance followed his return to play after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury. The London event was significant as it was the venue for Wimbledon, a tournament Alcaraz missed earlier in the year due to his injury.
"With the breaks I cannot plan them in advance," Alcaraz told Sky at the event. "It depends how I feel mentally and physically. The tennis calendar has been super tight. There are more important tournaments and even more Masters 1000 events over two weeks, so it's pretty long. You have to be focused from the first day until the last, plus all the Grand Slams and everything else so it depends on how many matches I've been playing.
"If I'm injured or mentally a bit down I'm going to need those breaks. I realize it will be better to take it before getting injured."
Alcaraz embraced the attention, striking poses reminiscent of the iconic spy, including making a hand gesture like a gun.
He is set to represent Team Europe at the Laver Cup, which runs from Friday to Sunday at the O2. The team also features US Open champion Alexander Zverev and former world No. 2 Casper Ruud. Team World's roster includes Taylor Fritz, Alex De Minaur, and Brandon Nakashima. British player Arthur Fery will serve as an alternate for the European team.
Discussing the demands of his public profile, Alcaraz noted the constant exposure, stating, "You expose yourself in every tournament, but not only when you go on the court, it's every time you go out for dinner. The people who stop you, the people rolling with the cameras. Sometimes that is hard to deal with when you expose yourself at that level. Mentally, it's hard to deal with. That's why sometimes I have to stay at home alone or with my close people around. Home is my peace. When I can chill and be myself. With my friends and family."