Carlos Alcaraz wants to play his role in a “perfect” Sunday for Spain as he targets Wimbledon win against Novak Djokovic before his country face England in the Euro 2024 title match .
Alcaraz is a win away from a second successive Wimbledon crown following his 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory against Daniil Medvedev in the semi-final.
The 21-year-old would look to repeat his last year’s heroics in the Wimbledon final when he meets seven-time champion Djokovic on Centre Court, just hours before Spain play England in the Euro 2024 showpiece in Berlin.
The winning moment 🤌
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2024
Just listen to @carlosalcaraz and the Centre Court crowd erupt 🔊#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/PczPKRBVa5
Alcaraz is a passionate Real Madrid fan and the Spaniard invited the club’s star midfielder Luka Modric to watch the Wimbledon semi-final from the players’ box.
He has been in contact with Spain’s players during the Euros and hopes to kick off a golden day for his country by lifting the All England Club trophy.
“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 fan favourite, risked the wrath of the All England Club crowd with a tongue-in-cheek comment about a potential Spanish super-Sunday during his on-court interview.
‘A fun day’
"I didn't say Spain is going to win, I'm just saying it's going to be a really fun day" 😂
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz, ever the diplomat 👏#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/s1HZQrN8ZC
“It will be a good day for Spanish people as well,” Alcaraz said when asked to look ahead to the weekend.
That triggered light-hearted boos from fans before Alcaraz countered with a smile: “I didn’t say Spain is going to win but I say it will be a fun, fun day.”
Alcaraz’s clash with Djokovic should be wrapped up by the time Spain face England and the world number three added: “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.”
On his friendship with Modric, who has won six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles with Real Madrid, Alcaraz said: “Yeah, Luka is a really nice person. We’ve met a couple of times.
“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.”
The title defence rolls on 💪
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz defeats Daniil Medvedev 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/gPS9G6sDaa
While Alcaraz hopes to celebrate his fourth Grand Slam title, he is well aware of the threat posed by the history-chasing Djokovic.
The Serb can equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s singles titles and also set a new record for both men and women’s singles with a 25th Grand Slam triumph.
“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.”


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