(VIDEO) “I have a TikTok to do with Jannik… Carlos”: Sabalenka’s hilarious slip leaves Alcaraz in stitches

Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz brought more than just trophies to their joint appearance on the Today Show — they brought laughter, charm, and one viral slip of the tongue. Less than a day after both were crowned US Open champions, the pair sat side by side in New York, reflecting on their achievements and the whirlwind of emotions that followed. Sabalenka had just made history by becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to defend her US Open crown, while Alcaraz lifted his second title in Flushing Meadows after overcoming rival Jannik Sinner in a gripping four-set battle.

The interview quickly turned from serious reflections to lighthearted fun when Sabalenka, in the middle of talking about her social media plans, accidentally called Alcaraz by the wrong name. “I have a TikTok to do with Jannik… Carlos,” she blurted out, realising mid-sentence that she had mixed up her colleague’s name with that of his fiercest rival. The studio burst into laughter, with Sabalenka burying her face in her hands while Alcaraz smiled.

Rather than being awkward, the moment showcased the personalities of both champions. Alcaraz waved off the slip with an easygoing grin, saying: “It’s 9 in the morning, no worries, it’s all good.” Sabalenka, still laughing at herself, added: “This is the worst… so Carlos!” before quickly correcting herself: “So yeah, I have a TikTok to do with Carlos... Alcaraz.” The exchange perfectly captured why both stars have become fan favourites: their ability to combine fierce competitiveness with a willingness to laugh at themselves.

By the end of the segment, the pair were still chuckling as champagne glasses appeared for a celebratory toast. The viral moment added a unique layer to their post-US Open storylines, proving once again that sports’ biggest stars can be just as relatable as the fans who cheer them on. For Sabalenka and Alcaraz, this morning-after appearance wasn’t just about reflecting on victories — it was about showing the world that champions can be joyful, unfiltered, and human.

Aryna Sabalenka’s back-to-back US Open titles mark a milestone that places her in rare company. By defeating Amanda Anisimova (6-3, 7-6), she became the first woman since Serena Williams to successfully defend the trophy in New York, a feat that underlines her dominance on hard courts. “It’s insane,” she admitted. “Just to be even close to Serena in something like this, it’s crazy to process.”

The road to this moment was not easy. Sabalenka openly acknowledged the tough lessons she had to learn earlier in the season, when losses at other Grand Slams tested her resilience. “I had to learn really tough lessons earlier this year,” she explained. “I’m not happy about them, but I needed to learn something about myself in order to bring the best fight here.” That fight translated into controlled, composed performances, capped off with her strongest match of the tournament in the final.

On the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz’s win reinforced one of tennis’s most compelling rivalries. His four-set victory over Jannik Sinner at Flushing Meadows (6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4) came just two months after the Italian had beaten him at Wimbledon, where Alcaraz was the defending champion. The Spaniard admitted the nerves were real. “My legs were shaking,” he confessed about the final set. “I realised I had the chance to win another US Open. It was tricky to control, but also a beautiful moment.”

That rivalry with Sinner continues to drive both men to new heights, specially after Alcaraz claimed the world No. 1 and left Sinner on the second. “We push each other to the limit every time,” Alcaraz said on the Today Show. “My practices are focused on how I can be better just to beat Jannik. Thanks to him, I’ve become a better player.” Their duels have become must-watch tennis, and with the balance of power so evenly split, every encounter feels like the next chapter in a sporting saga.

Despite the talk of rivalries and records, it was the TikTok moment that dominated headlines after the Today Show appearance. Sabalenka’s slip — “I have a TikTok to do with Jannik… Carlos” — turned into an instant meme, shared widely across social media and replayed endlessly by amused fans. Far from being embarrassed, both players leaned into the humour, showing that they could embrace the lighter side of fame.

As champagne glasses clinked on set, it was clear that this joint appearance was more than just a media obligation. It was a celebration of two champions who are reshaping the sport while still managing to stay playful and grounded. Between Sabalenka’s history-making victory and Alcaraz’s rivalry-defining triumph, their legacies are already secure. But what truly made the moment unforgettable was their laughter — proof that even at the pinnacle of the sport, joy remains the greatest trophy.