In a surprising and humorous twist during a recent interview, tennis legend Rafael Nadal gave fans a glimpse into Carlos Alcaraz’s “scandalous” phone habits — and it’s not what you’d expect. Rather than a dramatic exposé involving secret messages or tabloid-worthy drama, Nadal’s revelations brought laughter and light-heartedness to the tennis world.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, known for his focus and humility both on and off the court, joked about how the younger star, Carlos Alcaraz, seems to be “glued to his phone 24/7.” Nadal revealed that during team events and even downtime during training, Alcaraz is constantly scrolling, texting, or caught up in video calls. “You’d think he was managing a corporation with the way that phone is always buzzing,” Nadal laughed.
According to Nadal, what’s particularly “scandalous” isn’t just the excessive screen time — it’s the content. “He’s always on TikTok or sending memes. The group chat is chaos because of him,” Nadal shared. “You try to focus, and suddenly you’ve got ten memes from Carlos in two minutes.” He teased that Alcaraz’s phone habits could rival any teenager’s, and claimed the rising star might be more addicted to trending reels than to his topspin forehand.
Though framed as a playful jab, Nadal’s comments reflect a generational difference in how players unwind. While Nadal prefers reading, music, or quiet reflection, Alcaraz — like many in Gen Z — finds his escape in the fast-paced, meme-filled world of social media.
Alcaraz, upon hearing Nadal’s remarks, responded with a smile, saying, “Guilty as charged!” He admitted he’s a bit of a phone addict but added that it helps him relax between the intensity of matches and training. “It keeps me connected with friends and fans. And come on, Rafa laughs at the memes too — he just won’t admit it,” Alcaraz said.
The lighthearted exchange between the two Spanish stars showcased their camaraderie and the evolving culture within professional tennis. While “scandalous phone habits” might be a stretch, Nadal’s playful nudge reminds fans that even elite athletes have quirks — and sometimes, a good meme is all you need to bring a locker room together.