Carlos Alcaraz has come under fire for attending a bullfighting event after his shock defeat in the semi-finals of the US Open.
Alcaraz was the defending champion at this year's New York major but lost to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-final, depriving tennis fans of another epic clash between himself and Novak Djokovic.
After his defeat, the 20-year-old returned to Spain, where he was spotted attending a bullfighting event at the Plaza de Toros de La Condomina on Monday, September 11. The two-time Grand Slam champion received a standing ovation from local fans and met with bullfighter Alejandro Talavante.
PETA condemns Alcaraz's attendance
However, his presence at the controversial sporting event has received a lot of backlash on social media, particularly from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The organization referred to the sport as 'torture', highlighting that a lot of young people in Spain do not agree with bullfighting.
"Tennis is a sport; animal abuse is NOT @CarlosAlcaraz! STOP supporting bullfighting!
"CARLOS ALCARAZ, BULLFIGHTING IS TORTURE, NOT CULTURE. There’s nothing entertaining about the stabbing & torturing of animals-& the majority of young people in Spain reject bullfighting as the bloodsport it is. Please don’t support bullfighting and pledge to never attend another fight again," they wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Bullfighting has existed in Spain since 711 CE. Those who support the sport often argue that they are conserving a tradition. However, many animal rights activists condemn bullfighting as cruel and inhumane, pointing out that the bull often suffers a great deal of stress and dies in a painful manner.
Several fans have echoed PETA's sentiment online.
"Just terrible @carlosalcaraz
If anybody doesn't understand the severity of bullfighting, please do some research online, it goes beyond "culture" and "tradition", wrote one.
"@carlosalcaraz..this “sport” is cruel, brutal & heartbreaking. How anyone can watch the agonising torture of animals while smiling & clapping is horrendous," added another.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
