Djokovic on Alcaraz’s 300-Yard Drive: ‘Is There Anything You Can’t Do?’
Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Zverev hit the greens together in Indian Wells.
March 11, 2026
Image Credit: Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic teamed up with Alexander Zverev for a day of golf in Indian Wells.
By Sam Jacot
Under the radiant sun of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the familiar court battles of the BNP Paribas Open took a backseat as three of tennis’ shining stars swapped their racquets for golf clubs.
Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Carlos Alcaraz took to a nearby golf course, setting the stage for a friendly competition unlike any they’d previously experienced.
“Yesterday was an incredible day on the greens. It was just Zverev, Alcaraz, and me playing some golf,” Djokovic shared with a bright smile on Tennis Channel. “It was my first time hitting the links with these guys, and it was a blast—full of laughs and some playful mind games, definitely a great time.”
For Djokovic, who has triumphed over nearly every challenge in tennis, the outing became a playful reminder that elite athleticism often transcends sports—especially when Alcaraz is behind the driver.
“I’m hanging in there,” Djokovic said with a chuckle. “These guys have quite a lead on me. I haven’t been playing as much lately; I guess practice makes perfect—that’s my excuse! Alcaraz took the first hole and smashed a 300-yard drive on a par 5, aiming for an eagle. I couldn’t help but think, ‘Is there anything this guy can’t do?’ Just raw power!”
Zverev backed Djokovic’s awe, noting that Alcaraz’s impressive drives weren’t a fluke at all. In fact, he and Alcaraz have been turning the desert into their very own golf tour throughout the tournament.
“Carlos and I have been playing almost every day, actually,” Zverev said with enthusiasm after his quarter-final win over Frances Tiafoe. “Novak joined us just a couple of days ago; it’s been great! Carlos and I are pretty competitive—I’d say I’m about an 8 handicap, similar to him. So our matches have been quite intense.”
As the friendly competition wraps up, Alcaraz and Djokovic will refocus on their main event when they meet in the fourth round of the ATP Masters 1000 in California on Wednesday. Currently ranked No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Alcaraz will face Casper Ruud, while Djokovic prepares to take on defending champion Jack Draper, holding a 1-0 lead in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series.
Meanwhile, seven-time Masters 1000 champion Zverev advances to the quarter-finals, set to play against Arthur Fils on Thursday.
