This week, Carlos Alcaraz added an offbeat chapter to his Laver Cup experience by visiting one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, Alcatraz Island. The 22-year-old toured the historic former prison just as the city readied to host its first-ever edition of the Laver Cup. Alcaraz even played along with the moment, introducing himself with the witty phrase, “Alcaraz to Alcatraz,” as captured in a video on social media.
How Did Carlos Alcaraz’s Trip to Alcatraz Capture Attention Ahead of the Laver Cup?
From September 19-21, the Chase Center, home of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, will host the event, marking the event’s debut on the U.S. West Coast. Co-founded by Roger Federer, the annual team competition, which is contested on indoor hard courts, pays tribute to Australian legend Rod Laver.
Unlike traditional tournaments, the Laver Cup draws inspiration from golf’s Ryder Cup, pitting six of Europe’s top players against six from the rest of the world. With Yannick Noah leading Team Europe and Andre Agassi captaining Team World, the stage is set for a compelling three-day showdown.
The clip of Alcaraz touring Alcatraz was posted on the official Laver Cup’s X account, drawing engagement from fans who enjoyed seeing the lighter side of the world No. 1. In the video, he could be seen walking through the island’s historic corridors, stopping to take photographs and listen to the guide’s stories about life inside one of the most feared penitentiaries in the United States.
Behind the scenes tour
Alcatraz Island ft. @carlosalcaraz#LaverCup pic.twitter.com/6GkYoteuMw
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 17, 2025
Fans quickly flooded the comments with witty reactions, many of them playing on the similarity between Alcaraz’s name and Alcatraz. “I love the fact that the prison trip was organized because Carlos surname and Acatraz sounds the same ,” one fan joked.
I love the fact that the prison trip was organized because Carlos surname and Acatraz sounds the same
— … (@2open2day) September 17, 2025
Another wrote, “you guys don’t understand how much i am loving this.”
you guys don’t understand how much i am loving this https://t.co/Je4Ij11CqI
— spor (@sporadicalia) September 17, 2025
A third chimed in, “if always serving was a crime he’d be serving jail time in alcatraz,” while another fan added, “Been waiting for this collab since I first heard of Alcaraz.”
Once dubbed “The Rock,” Alcatraz was home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, before the prison closed in 1963. Today, the island is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, drawing more than a million visitors a year.
Who Will Represent Team Europe and Team World at the 2025 Laver Cup?
Team Europe, anchored by Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, also features Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Jakub Menšík and Flavio Cobolli, with Tomáš Macháč as the alternate. Team World will counter with Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur at the helm, supported by Francisco Cerúndolo, Alex Michelsen, João Fonseca and Reilly Opelka, with Jenson Brooksby filling the alternate spot.
Over three days, players will contest nine singles and three doubles matches, with each day’s wins worth progressively more points: one on Friday, two on Saturday, and three on Sunday. The first side to reach 13 points claims the Cup, but if the teams are deadlocked at 12 apiece, a single deciding doubles match will settle the outcome.
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Others Spotted Arriving in San Francisco As Laver Cup Nears
