Alcaraz set to lead Spanish sporting super Sunday… Just don’t tell the Wimbledon fans!

  • Posted: Jul 12, 2024

It was tight, but Carlos Alcaraz just about kept the Centre Court crowd onside during his post-match interview on Friday at Wimbledon.

After defeating Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals, Alcaraz discussed his upcoming second straight Wimbledon final appearance with on-court interviewer Annabelle Croft. Unprompted, the No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings dropped in a reference to another highly anticipated sporting event set for Sunday: The Euro 2024 final between his home country Spain and Wimbledon host nation England.

“It’s going to be a really good day for Spanish people, with the Euro cup as well,” said Alcaraz, who was forced to quickly clarify his comments as the home crowd immediately delivered some light-hearted boos. “I didn’t say Spain is going to win! I just said it is going to be a really fun day.”

A keen football fan, Alcaraz was cheered on by a legend of the sport on Friday as he recovered from a difficult opening set to improve his Lexus ATP Head2Head record against Medvedev to 5-2. Real Madrid star Luka Modric, who captained Croatia at Euro 2024, watched the semi-final from Alcaraz’s player box.

“Luka is a really nice person. We’ve met a couple of times,” revealed Alcaraz in his post-match press conference. “We spoke a few times and he wanted to come, and for sure I admire him. There’s always going to be a spot for him. Amazing guy, amazing athlete that I admire a lot. It’s great to have him in the box supporting.”

Appearing to have got away with just a yellow card from the crowd in the on-court interview, a relaxed Alcaraz was then asked about another sporting passion of his. The 21-year-old has spent some time away from the All England Club playing golf this fortnight and, while his ability off the tee does not quite match his tennis prowess, it has proven a vital source of off-court tranquillity for the defending champion.

“I’m so, so bad, compared to my tennis,” said Alcaraz. “I love playing golf. I’m not too good. I just find balls every time and can’t hit straight. It helps me a lot to turn off my mind a little bit, nothing to do with tennis, and relax a little bit. Tomorrow there is a huge percentage chance that I’m going to play golf, just to calm myself. I would say I love playing, but I’m not too good.”

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