Aryna Sabalenka calls Carlos Alcaraz “Jannik” in funny TODAY Show slip-up

Aryna Sabalenka had a funny slip of the tongue during a joint appearance with fellow US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz on NBC’s TODAY Show on Monday morning.

Sabalenka, became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to defend her US Open title with a win over Amanda Anisimova, was chatting about her off-court talents after posting up a storm in celebration on TikTok and Instagram.

“I’m terrible at dancing! I always pick the easiest moves just so I look OK,” she said, before adding: “Anyway, I have a TikTok to do with Jann—er, Jann…”

That was as far as Sabalenka got before realizing her mistake, sparking laughter from the hosts and both champions.

Alcaraz jokingly pretended to grab his trophy and walk off set, but took it all in stride: “It’s nine in the morning, don’t worry. It’s all good, it’s all good.”

👉 Read More: Aryna Sabalenka has been No. 1 all year — after winning US Open, now she’s back on top, too

Maybe the mix-up was understandable, as Sabalenka did her own New York City media tour last year—alongside 2024 champion Jannik Sinner.

This time it was Sabalenka and Alcaraz in Manhattan for the traditional post-tournament media blitz, US Open trophies in tow, with stops at talk shows, sponsor events and TV studios after two grueling weeks in Flushing Meadows.

👉 Read More: Generational Rivalry: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner evenly split four majors in back-to-back seasons

For Alcaraz, his victory also marked a return to world No. 1. He spoke on TODAY about his ever-growing rivalry with Sinner, who had dominated much of the season:

“For me, it’s great. Having someone that you have to improve [for] makes you better, I think. We push each other to the limit every time,” Alcaraz said. "I think that rivalry is special: splitting Grand Slams and fighting for great things."

Sabalenka eventually followed through on the TikTok she teased—pulling Alcaraz into a dance showing off with their matching trophies, set to Muni Long’s viral track Made for Me.

“Birthday twin and @usopen trophy twin,” she captioned the video. “May 5th must be a really lucky birthday to have…”

Alcaraz’s reply in the comments on Instagram summed up the moment perfectly: “I still don’t know what I did,” he wrote, adding a laughing emoji.