Carlos Alcaraz's tribute to Jude Bellingham as Wimbledon ace explains copying England star
Carlos Alcaraz unleashed a popular pose after his epic win over Frances Tiafoe.
The subject of Jude Bellingham celebrating goals might have divided opionion this week, but that didn't deter Carlos Alcaraz from mimicking the England star on Centre Court yesterday. After fighting back to beat Frances Tiafoe in a titantic five-set clash, the Spaniard struck a pose now more familiar to England football fans than it is tennis spectators.
Like with the Three Lions last Sunday, Alcaraz seemed in genuine danger of an exit as Tiafoe led by two sets to one, but again showed his resilience to come through 5-7 6-2 4-6 7-6 6-2.
And after winning through to the last-16, the 21-year-old stood staionary with his arms outstretched, and later admitted his actions were a direct tribute to the Real Madrid midfielder.
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“I have huge respect for him,” said Alvarez. “We're in London. He is England. So that's why. I told him that the big win deserves a big celebration.”
Alcaraz himself is a self-confessed football fanatic. Indeed, his post-match press conference was later than scheduled on Friday so that he could watch the closing stages of Spain’s extra-time win against Germany.
He will now face 16th seed Ugo Humbert or Brandon Nakashima next up in his quest to retain his title. And the 21-year-old conceded that he was forced to dig deep against Tiafoe when not at his best. “The up and downs is not about the opponent,” said Alcaraz.
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“It's just about yourself. But if I'm not feeling well or if I'm not playing at a high level, you have to stay strong mentally just to keep fighting and try to get the good rhythm. Once you get it, try not to be down again. That's what I have to improve.”
For his part, Tiafoe displayed the form which saw him rise into the world's top 10 last season. And the rapport between the two good friends was also on show, with Alcaraz at one point breaking protocol to go over the net and check on the American as he lay on the turf after an epic rally.
But the 26-year-old was left ruing a missed opportunity. And afterwards, he referred to the 2022 US Open semi-final between the pair, which also went the way of Alcaraz before the then teenager claimed his maiden Slam title.
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Like on Centre Court, that clash went past the four hour mark. And also like on Centre Court, Alcarez had to twice rally from being behind in sets before emerging victorious.
Tiafoe said: “If I want to win one of these things, I got to beat him. I mean, of course, I'm going to think about it. But I think this one hurts a little more than the Open. I think this one I can honestly take confidence from and can't hang my head too low.”