Alex de Minaur caught in awkward moment with Carlos Alcaraz around fiancee Katie Boulter

Alex de Minaur and Carlos Alcaraz were caught in awkward scenes before the Australian Open on Wednesday night when the World No.3 was asked to congratulate the Aussie star on his recent engagement to Katie Boulter. And it got about as cringe and uncomfortable as you'd expect.

De Minaur scored a stunning 7-5 4-6 10-5 win over Alcaraz in an exhibition match on Rod Laver Arena - a huge boost for the Aussie heading into his home grand slam. But things got a little awkward during a post-match interview on court when the topic of discussion switched to Boulter.

De Minaur and Boulter have been dating for a number of years, and the Aussie popped the question to his partner late last year. On Wednesday night, former WTA player Andrea Petkovic asked Alcaraz if he had any words of congratulations for de Minaur.

"I mean I already told him congratulations. I don't know if you're sure about it," Alcaraz said, sparking mass laughter throughout the crowd and from de Minaur. He added: "I've seen them together at tournaments. I don't know Katie very much but it seems that she's a really nice person. I think you're going to enjoy this marriage and hopefully everything will be all good."

Tennis fans call out 'inappropriate' interview question

In bizarre scenes, Petkovic also asked Alcaraz whether he is currently in a relationship. The 21-year-old replied: "No engagement so far. Single so far. I laugh with some close people that three or four tennis players always seem to get engaged in this holiday period. I thought maybe it was my turn but no."

On social media, tennis fans found the moment a bit weird but said it showed how genuine Alcaraz and de Minaur seem to be. Although some labelled the personal nature of the questions "inappropriate".

One person wrote: "Poor Carlitos… put his foot in his mouth..but he’s so sweet, and still very young. The good part about this is that it shows he’s not coached and calculating in giving impromptu interviews. And of course Alex D was such a good sport and kind to Carlitos. Both such good guys.."

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Alex de Minaur and Carlos Alcaraz tune up before Australian Open

Alcaraz admitted he was still limited by jet-lag after only arriving in Australia three days before the match. De Minaur won six of seven games at one stage to clinch the first set before Alcaraz sent the contest to a match tie-breaker, which de Minaur controlled from the outset.

"He's killing me, that's for sure," Alcaraz said at the end of the second set. "There was some point where I couldn't find anything, just hitting as hard as I can and praying.

"But it's the best way to get ready for Australia, playing someone like Alex. He has really good rhythm (and plays) big, long rallies, so that's what I need to adjust and get used to the conditions and get used to Australia."

De Minaur said he was grateful for the hit against the World No.3 as he seeks to become the first Australian man to win his home major in almost 50 years. "It's exciting to be back here in Melbourne, playing on Rod Laver Arena in front of you guys (fans), so I try to do my best," he said. "I'm very excited for what's to come in the next couple of weeks and I'm sure hopefully we're both going to play some great tennis."