At a Glance
- Carlos Alcaraz was surprised with multiple marriage proposals during his third-round match on Jan. 23, 2026.
- He defeated French player Corentin Moutet 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 to stay in the tournament.
- The event followed rumors of Alcaraz dating fellow player Emma Raducanu and model Brooks Nader.
**Why it matters: The match combined on-court dominance with a playful crowd moment, while Alcaraz’s public comments continue to shape his personal narrative.
—
The 2026 Australian Open’s third-round match at Melbourne Park on Jan. 23, 2026 turned into a spectacle that went beyond the baseline. Carlos Alcaraz, then 22 and the world No. 1, was met with a flurry of marriage proposals from an enthusiastic crowd as he returned to his position on the court.
Mid-Match Surprises
During a brief pause, a woman shouted, “Carlos, marry my daughter!” The crowd erupted in laughter. A second fan yelled, “Marry my sister-in-law!” and a third man simply said, “Marry me!” The cheers finally coaxed a tiny smile from Alcaraz, who remained focused on the game.
The proposals added a light-hearted layer to an otherwise intense match. Spectators were left amused, and the moment was captured in several video clips that circulated online.
Match Performance
Alcaraz’s dominance was evident in the scoreline: 6-2, 6-4, 6-1. He outplayed 26-year-old Frenchman Corentin Moutet, who had been a formidable opponent in previous rounds. Alcaraz’s serve and groundstrokes were described as “great points” by the player himself.
“When you play someone like Corentin, you don’t know what’s going to be next,” Alcaraz said in an on-court TV interview after the match, according to ESPN. “I had so much fun on the court. As you could see, we both pulled off great shots. Great points.”
The win kept Alcaraz’s momentum going as he advanced to the next stage of the tournament.
Relationship Rumors
The crowd proposals came just months after Alcaraz addressed his relationship status amid swirling rumors. He was linked to fellow tennis player Emma Raducanu, with whom he partnered for mixed doubles at the 2025 U.S. Open.
Raducanu, 23, responded to the buzz in a BBC interview in June 2025, saying she was “glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone.”
Alcaraz also faced speculation about dating model Brooks Nader, 28, who had been mentioned in the media as a possible partner. Nader appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on September 17, where she discussed the rumors.
“Dating is such a loose term these days,” she said. “It’s just you know – I don’t know. By the way, my only thing is guys do it all the time. So why can’t I do it? They do it all the time.”
Statements from Players
During a press conference following his Nitto ATP Finals debut in November, Alcaraz was asked by doubles player Elena Vesnina about his love life. Vesnina asked, “Did your heart get taken?” Alcaraz replied with a laugh, “No, I’m free. I’m free. I’m free.”
The comments were shared by Tennis.com and were seen as a light-hearted deflection of the persistent rumors.
Fan Interactions
A fan who had previously asked whether Alcaraz and Raducanu knew each other was quoted on Watch What Happens Live. The fan expressed that “a lady never kisses and tells, especially twice. That’s just not nice.” The host, Andy Cohen, reiterated the question, “Or were you dating both of them? Is that true?”
Alcaraz’s responses to these inquiries have helped shape public perception, maintaining a balance between privacy and openness.
The Crowd’s Role
The crowd’s playful proposals were not the only unique element of the match. The venue’s atmosphere, the energy from the stands, and the spontaneous interaction between fans and player added a human dimension to the tournament.
The incident also highlighted the cultural differences in how fans engage with athletes in Australia compared to other parts of the world.
Impact on the Tournament
Alcaraz’s victory secured his place in the next round, keeping his dream of a Grand Slam title alive. The win also reinforced his status as the world No. 1, a position he has held since early 2025.
The match was a reminder of how tennis can blend athleticism with unexpected moments of levity, creating memorable experiences for both players and fans.
Key Takeaways
- Carlos Alcaraz won a decisive match against Corentin Moutet on Jan. 23, 2026.
- The crowd’s marriage proposals added a light-hearted twist to the game.
- Alcaraz continues to address rumors about his personal life with humor and candor.
- The event showcased the intersection of sport, media, and fan culture.
—
Categories: Breaking News, World News, Sports
