NEW DELHI:
Carlos Alcaraz
is determined to contribute to a flawless sporting Sunday for his homeland, Spain. His goal is to secure victory in the
Wimbledon
final against
Novak Djokovic
prior to Spain's clash with England in the
Euro 2024
championship match.
Having triumphed 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 against fifth seed
Daniil Medvedev
in the semi-final on Friday, Alcaraz finds himself just one win away from clinching his second consecutive Wimbledon title.
The young Spaniard, an avid supporter of Real Madrid, extended an invitation to the club's renowned midfielder
Luka Modric
to witness the Wimbledon semi-final from the players' box.
Throughout the Euros, Alcaraz has maintained communication with the Spanish team.
His aspiration is to commence a momentous day for Spain by emerging victorious and hoisting the prestigious All England Club trophy, mere hours before his nation's footballers take on England in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
"Being a Spaniard, yeah, it would be a perfect Sunday," he said.
"It's going to be a really fun day for Spanish people watching my final, watching the Euros final.
"Obviously these last days I've spoke with a few (Spain) players. We send best of luck in every match. Obviously we send the best of luck on Sunday."
Alcaraz, a beloved player at Wimbledon, made a playful remark during his post-match interview after defeating Medvedev. His lighthearted comment about the possibility of an all-Spanish championship Sunday could have potentially irked the All England Club spectators.
"It will be a good day for Spanish people as well," Alcaraz said when asked to look ahead to the weekend.
Alcaraz's comment about the upcoming day elicited playful jeers from the audience, but he responded with a grin, saying: "I didn't say Spain is going to win but I say it will be a fun, fun day."
The highly anticipated match between Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic is expected to conclude before the start of the Euro final between Spain and England. The young Spanish
tennis
star remarked: "I have to think of my work. Hopefully let's see if the final is going to be at a good hour to watch the Euros final."
Alcaraz also discussed his growing friendship with Luka Modric, the Croatian midfielder who has achieved remarkable success with Real Madrid, winning six Champions League titles and four La Liga championships.
"Yeah, Luka is a really nice person. We've met a couple of times," Alcaraz said, expressing his admiration for the accomplished footballer.
"We spoke a little bit. He wanted to come. There's always going to be spot for him. Amazing guy, amazing athlete that I admire a lot. It's great to have him in the box supporting."
Alcaraz, the young tennis sensation, is on the cusp of securing his fourth Grand Slam victory. However, he remains mindful of the formidable challenge that lies ahead in the form of Novak Djokovic, who is in pursuit of making history.
Djokovic, the seasoned Serbian player, has the opportunity to match Roger Federer's impressive feat of eight Wimbledon men's singles titles. Moreover, a victory at this tournament would propel him to an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, surpassing the current record held in both men's and women's singles.
"Everybody knows Djokovic. He has played multiple Grand Slam finals and won a lot of them. Last year it was a really difficult match. He put me in real trouble," he said.
"But, yeah, I know how it's going to feel playing against Djokovic. I know what I have to do. I'm sure he knows what he has to do to beat me.
"It's going to be a really interesting one. But I'm ready to take that challenge and I'm ready to do it well."
English (US) ·