
Carlos Alcaraz bravely called out Tim Henman after reaching the US Open semi-final. The No. 2 seed was watched by Masters winner Sergio Garcia as he breezed past Jiri Lehecka 6-4 6-2 6-4 in Tuesday's day session, and then told the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd they were already planning a round of golf for his day off.
The five-time Major winner stopped for a quick chat with Sky Sports after the match, and promised to set up another round with avid golfer Henman, but declared that he would win. The retired British tennis star wasn't having it, and he pulled out the fighting talk.
Henman was back in the studio while co-pundit Laura Robson was down on the court speaking to Alcaraz. At the end of the interview, Robson asked whether Henman could join Wednesday's round of golf with Garcia, but the world No. 2 promised to set up another date.
"We just set up a round, four people already, so Tim, we are going to set it up, one against you, don't worry! I will beat you," Alcaraz laughed.
Henman, who has already been out on the course with the five-time Major winner, wasn't convinced. "We had a little game just after Queen's, Monday after Queen's, before Wimbledon, eight of us. I was playing," he said.
"Carlos and Juan Carlos [Ferrero] were playing with Andy Murray, I was playing with Alex de Minaur, Lleyton Hewitt. So I didn't actually get the chance to play Carlos, but I look forward to the opportunity."
Presenter Gigi Salmon reminded Henman: "It's very confident talk from him that he would beat you." But the former world No. 4 jokingly told Alcaraz to keep dreaming.
He added: "I mean, we've seen that he's a dreamer on the court with some of those shots that he's hitting and he's obviously dreaming on the golf course as well.
"Please, pass it on! His swing is looking pretty good with the tennis racket."
Alcaraz has been known to spend his days off on the golf course. Now that he has two days to prepare for his semi-final match, you know where to find him.
But the 22-year-old is expecting a tough test against pro golfer Garcia, and told the Arthur Ashe Crowd he would need the 11-time PGA Tour champion to go easy on him.
"100 per cent. I mean it's something, that this is working well, so why should I change the routine? Every time on a day off, I try to go and play some golf. I would say I have a really difficult round tomorrow against Juanki, Sergio Garcia is there as well.
"So I have a really difficult one, but I will play for sure. I mean, he has to give me between 10 to 15 shots. I think it's going to be great. I'm not that good, Sergio, come on!"
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