Carlos Alcaraz reveals Rafael Nadal text message before Novak Djokovic Wimbledon win
Carlos Alcaraz poses with the Wimbledon trophy after Novak Djokovic triumph
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Carlos Alcaraz has opened up on a message he received from Rafael Nadal before beating Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final on Sunday.
The 20-year-old was the toast of London as he battled his way to a 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory, claiming a second Grand Slam title of his career in the process.
Alcaraz had to dig deep, with the youngster facing a man with 23 Grand Slam titles to his name.
But he was able to follow in the footsteps of Nadal, with his compatriot previously reigning supreme on two occasions.
Rafael Nadal texted compatriot Carlos Alcaraz before Wimbledon triumph
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And Alcaraz has now revealed the message he received from his countryman before his remarkable triumph.
"Yes, yes, he sent me a message," he said when asked if Nadal has been in touch.
"First he sent it to wish me luck for the final and I appreciate it.
"That someone like him, an idol of my childhood and who continues to be so, sends you strength and luck for the most important moment of your life is something to admire."
The world No 1 also revealed a message from F1 hero Fernando Alonso, too, after winning the title.
"Rafa's, whenever he congratulates you, Rafa makes you especially excited because in the end he is your idol. I was also congratulated by Fernando Alonso, who is someone I admire," the new Wimbledon champion continued.
"Will Smith surprised me that he congratulated me. My friend Jimmy Butler... There have been a lot of messages that have made me excited.
"I don't want to leave anyone because there have been many sports legends, artists... I saw that Sebastian Yatra dedicated a song to me and said 'this is for you'. That all these people congratulate you is exciting.
"It is a dream come true for me. Even if I lost, I would have been proud of myself.
"To be able to play in these stages of these occasions - as a boy of 20 years old - is really fast. I'm really proud of myself."
Now, the onus will be on Alcaraz to stay at the top of his game.
He seems to be a player ready to lead the next generation, especially after previously winning the US Open last year.
When Djokovic went ahead in the first set, Alcaraz had a mountain to climb.
Especially with the man on the opposite side of the net already winning Wimbledon on seven separate occasions in the past.
Yet while Djokovic was devastated by the defeat, he also extremely complimentary towards his opponent as well.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
Carlos Alcaraz consoled Novak Djokovic after enthralling Wimbledon clash on Sunday
PA
"I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself. I would agree with that. I think he's got basically best of all three worlds," he said.
"He's got this mental resilience and real maturity for someone who is 20 years old. It's quite impressive.
"He's got this Spanish bull mentality of competitiveness and fighting spirit and incredible defence that we've seen with Rafa over the years."
He added: "I haven't played a player like him ever, to be honest.
"Roger and Rafa have their own strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for a successful career on all surfaces."
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