Carlos Alcaraz was heckled by Wimbledon spectators after bringing up this weekend’s hotly-anticipated Euro 2024 final between England and Spain. It could be a momentous Sunday for Spaniards everywhere if Alcaraz goes on to retain his Wimbledon crown and Luis de la Fuente’s side defeat the Three Lions in Germany.
Spain went one match away from lifting a major trophy by beating France 2-0 in the semi-finals of the Euros. And Alcaraz followed suit on Friday, outclassing Daniil Medvedev in four sets on Centre Court.
I know how I’m going to feel before the final, I’ve been there before,” Alcaraz told the BBC’s Annabel Croft. The crowd then erupted into a chorus of jeers when the 21-year-old continued: “It’s going to be a really good day for Spanish people as well because of the Euros final!”
Backtracking, he added: “I didn’t say Spain’s going to win! I’m just saying it’s going to be a really fun day! It’s going to be a really difficult match.”
Alcaraz will discover his final opponent later on Friday, with Novak Djokovic and Lorenzo Musetti doing battle in the other men’s semi-final. “Lorenzo and Novak are playing great tennis,” the Spaniard said. “I’m going to watch the match. Let’s see who I’m going to play on Sunday.
Djokovic and Alcaraz met in last year’s Wimbledon final, with a five-set epic eventually going the way of the youngster. Musetti, meanwhile, is bidding to reach the first Grand Slam final of his career.
Alcaraz may be keen to make light work of his blockbuster showdown this weekend in order to wrap up business before the Euro 2024 final kicks off. Spain have been in imperious form, downing Les Bleus and tournament hosts Germany en route to their meeting with England.
A swift victory will require a better start from Alcaraz than he managed on Friday, with Medvedev taking the opening set via a one-sided tiebreak. “I was really, really nervous at the start,” said the three-time Grand Slam champion.
“He was dominating the match, playing great tennis with his serve, his return game. It was difficult for me, I tried to put out all the nerves at the beginning of the second set. It was really helpful to be up 3-1 and after that I could play my own game, I could enjoy myself. In general I think I played a really good match.
