'So silly' - Carlos Alcaraz refuses unusual request from chair umpire in heated exchange

Carlos Alcaraz was involved in a heated exchange with the umpire during his Cincinnati Open last 16 clash.

The world number two booked his place in the quarter-finals by beating Luca Nardi on Wednesday night.

4 Alcaraz was involved in a heated argument with the chair umpire

4 The official had requested the Spaniard cover or remove his water bottle logo

However, an unusual request from the chair umpire overshadowed the Spaniard's performance.

The interaction was picked up by TV cameras during coverage of the match.

It occurred as both players left the court for a drinks break in between games.

As Alcaraz drank water in his chair, he was told to put away his bottle or cover up the Evian logo on the drink.

The umpire insisted this was due to tournament sponsorship rules, but Alcaraz refused the request.

G&J Pepsi are the official food and drink partner of the Cincinnati Open, with the brand producing Aquafina water.

Explaining himself, the umpire could be heard telling the 22-year-old: "We’ve been told because of the logos and sponsors."

Alcaraz responded: "But it’s not my fault. Why should it be covered? It’s not my fault."

He continued: "What is it for? Why do I have to cover it as if it is my fault?"

The umpire admitted: "It’s my fault because I did not catch it sooner."

4 Alcaraz went on to secure a straight sets win in the Cincinnati Open last 16 Credit: Getty

4 He beat Nardi in straight sets to move into the quarter-finals later this week Credit: Getty

Alcaraz then concluded: "So because (it’s) your fault, I have to cover it? It doesn’t work like this… I’m not going to cover it."

Fans were left confused by the incident as they reacted on social media.

Underneath a clip of the exchange, one wrote: "This is so stupid."

Another added: "No one would have noticed, but they brought attention to it by making a big deal about it. So silly."

What did Alcaraz say afterwards?

Despite the altercation with the umpire, Alcaraz went on to beat Nardi 6-1, 6-4 to reach the last eight.

It was his 50th victory of 2025, having already won five titles this year including a second French Open title.

Carlos Alcaraz causes pandemonium just hours before Wimbledon final with Jannik Sinner

Speaking afterwards, he explained: "You have to think positive and just play your best tennis possible that day.

"I'm really happy that in really difficult matches I'm able to play my best tennis even though I'm not feeling the right way.

"I'm just happy and proud about it because it's something I'm working on."

Alcaraz will now face Andrey Rublev on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.

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