Carlos Alcaraz hopes his Wimbledon victory over France’s Ugo Humbert on Sunday will be a precursor to Spain’s soccer team achieving a similar result in their Euro 2024 semi-final against France.
The defending champion and third seed prevailed 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals, though he was challenged by the inspired 16th seed Humbert.
Alcaraz, a keen soccer fan who has been closely following Spain’s progress at Euro 2024, will contest his quarter-final on Tuesday, the same day Spain faces France in Munich.
“Hopefully they’re going to get the same result as me today,” the 21-year-old told reporters. “I won in the tennis part, so hopefully the Spanish team is going to win the football part.”
Alcaraz missed the first half of Spain’s quarter-final victory over Germany this week after a demanding five-set match against American big-hitter Frances Tiafoe.
The three-time Grand Slam champion hopes that scheduling on Tuesday will be favorable, with Spain’s game against France set to begin at 1900 GMT.
“The first thing is I am supporting Spain because it’s Spain,” he said. “I have a really good relationship with a few players of the team, particularly with Alvaro Morata. He’s a really good friend. So right now it’s time to support them, as I know they support me when I’m playing matches or tournaments. It’s my turn.”
“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 of the match.”
With rain affecting the schedule on Sunday, Alcaraz is still waiting to discover his opponent for his ninth Grand Slam quarter-final. He will face either American Tommy Paul or fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.