Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, has declared his support for Spain’s football team as they prepare to face France in the Euro 2024 semifinals. The 21-year-old tennis star hopes that Spain can replicate his recent success, having defeated French player Ugo Humbert in the Wimbledon fourth round on Sunday.
Alcaraz, a keen football fan, has been closely following Spain’s progress in the tournament and expressed his wish for a similar result to his own victory. “Hopefully they’re going to get the same result as me today,” he told reporters. “I won in the tennis part, so hopefully the Spanish team are going to win the football part.”
Alcaraz’s own quarterfinal match at Wimbledon takes place on Tuesday, coinciding with Spain’s crucial encounter against France in Munich. He missed the first half of Spain’s quarterfinal win against Germany this week due to his own five-set victory over American Frances Tiafoe. The three-time Grand Slam champion is hoping for a more favorable schedule on Tuesday, allowing him to catch some of the football match.
“The first thing is I am supporting Spain because it’s Spain,” he explained. “I have a really good relationship with a few players of the team. In particular, with Alvaro Morata. He’s a really good friend. So right now it’s time to support them, as I know they are supporting me when I’m playing matches or I’m playing tournaments. It’s my turn.”
The tennis star, who will play American Tommy Paul in his ninth Grand Slam quarterfinal, acknowledges the possibility of conflicting schedules but remains hopeful he can catch glimpses of the football match. “Hopefully on Tuesday we are not going to play at the same time. But let’s see. Hopefully, I will be able to see a little bit from the match.”