Tennis News Roundup: Carlos Alcaraz gets fun marriage proposal at New Jersey exhibition; Chris Evert sends her love to Frances Tiafoe after huge career decision

Carlos Alcaraz received a hilarious marriage proposal during his exhibition match against Frances Tiafoe in Newark, New Jersey. Chris Evert reacted to the news of Frances Tiafoe parting ways with his coaching staff, which includes David Witt and Jordi Arconada.

Fans slammed Ben Shelton and Nick Kyrgios for manspreading next to Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka for an exhibition event's promotion video. Coco Gauff's family members expressed their delight at her becoming a brand ambassador for a luxury car brand. Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova accused Russia's Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider of lying about their 'neutral' status on the war.

On that note, let's find out more about the stories of the day:

#1. Carlos Alcaraz laughs at marriage proposal during exhibition match in Newark

Carlos Alcaraz faced Frances Tiafoe at 'A Racquet at The Rock,' an exhibition tournament in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday, December 7. Tiafoe defeated the Spaniard 6-3, 3-6, 10-7 in a match that was played in a good mood.

During the second set, a male fan yelled from the stands, "Carlos, will you marry me?" as the entire venue burst out laughing. What made it even funnier was Tiafoe's reaction. The American said, "Hell no."

Watch the hilarious moment below:

The event also featured Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula.

This was Alcaraz's first match since losing to Jannik Sinner in the ATP Finals title clash. He is set to play with Brazilian rising star Joao Fonseca in the 'Miami Invitational,' another exhibition event on Monday.

#2. Chris Evert shows support for Frances Tiafoe as he lets go of his coaching staff

A few days after concluding his 2025 season in October, Frances Tiafoe announced that he had decided to change his entire team. As a result, he ended his partnership with David Witt and Jordi Arconada.

Ahead of last week's Charlotte Invitational exhibition event, the American was asked about his decision. He said (via Christian's Court on Instagram):

"I got rid of more than just two guys. I just wanted a fresh start. We have been doing the same thing for a very long time. I’ll be 28 at the top of the year, and I kind of just want to do something different. I want to get a little bit uncomfortable and just see what happens. Why not?"

The 27-year-old did not reveal his new coach's name. Meanwhile, tennis legend Chris Evert reacted in the comments section, writing:

"Love him❤️."

Tiafoe had a forgettable 2025 season, as the World No. 30 registered a 26-23 record on the tour. He reached his lone title clash at the ATP 250 U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston, where his compatriot Jenson Brooksby beat him in straight sets.

#3. Fans blast Ben Shelton & Nick Kyrgios for manspreading next to Naomi Osaka & Aryna Sabalenka

Ben Shelton, Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka, and Aryna Sabalenka starred in the Atlanta Cup exhibition event at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia, on Saturday, December 6. During promotions, the four players sat next to each other for a fun segment, as seen in a video on Atlanta Cup's social media.

However, fans online reprimanded the two ATP stars for manspreading next to Sabalenka and Osaka.

"Men spreading their legs when sitting next to women is the most embarrassing thing they can do to sabotage their own image," one fan wrote.

"The manspreading is so effing annoying," commented another.

"Close yall legs omg i hate men," added another.

At the event, Sabalenka defeated Osaka 6-3, 4-6, 10-4, while Shelton recorded a straight-set victory over Kyrgios. Shelton and Sabalenka won the mixed-doubles match as well.

#4. Coco Gauff's family reacts to her becoming the face of luxury car brand

One of the top players on the tour, Coco Gauff continues to grow off the court as well, with numerous brands collaborating with her. The latest and perhaps the biggest brand to sign the American as a brand ambassador is German luxury automobile giant Mercedes-Benz. The company has shown an $11 billion profit in 2025.

Mercedes-Benz's Instagram account broke the news on Monday, December 8, writing:

"Power. Precision. Play without limits. We’re proud to welcome world-class tennis player @cocogauff to the Mercedes-Benz family as a new global brand ambassador."

Gauff's mother, Candi, shared the post on her Instagram stories, while her brother, Codey, dropped a few fire emojis in the comments section.

Screenshot of Candi Gauff's story and Codey Gauff's comment on Instagram. (Source: Instagram - @codeygauff, @candigauff)

#5. Oleksandra Oliynykova questions Russian players' 'neutral' stance on war

In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider the Order of Merit for their contributions to the development and promotion of physical culture and sports. This prompted Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova to demand an explanation for the 'neutral' status of the Russian players in the ongoing war.

"The neutrality should be tested. Many support the war. For some, not having a flag is enough, but it's not," Oliynykova said, according to Spanish media outlet Saque y Red.

"Even without a flag, they can play without limits. Andreeva and Shnaider received prizes from Putin. We have to talk more about this. It's a big problem because they have global recognition while supporting the Russian government," she added.

Edited by Parag Jain