Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, paid homage to England's rising star Jude Bellingham by replicating his signature goal celebration on Friday. After a grueling five-set victory over Frances Tiafoe, Alcaraz spread his arms wide as he basked in the applause on Centre Court, mirroring Bellingham's iconic celebration.
Alcaraz, a self-proclaimed Real Madrid fan, holds Bellingham in high regard. The 21-year-old Spaniard had previously copied the footballer's celebration at the 2023 US Open, posting a photo on social media with the caption "Hey, Jude."
"We're in London," Alcaraz explained. "He is England. So that's why. I told him that the big win deserves a big celebration."
Alcaraz's admiration for Bellingham extends beyond their shared love of sports. The world number three also respects the midfielder's on-field demeanor. "He's a great player," Alcaraz said. "He's very humble and he works hard. I think he has a great future ahead of him."
Bellingham, who scored a spectacular overhead winner for England against Slovakia at Euro 2024, has become a fan favorite for his skill and charisma. His trademark celebration, which involves spreading his arms wide and running towards the corner flag, has been widely imitated by fans and players alike.
Alcaraz's gesture not only acknowledges Bellingham's talent but also highlights the growing bond between the worlds of football and tennis. As both sports continue to captivate global audiences, it is becoming increasingly common for athletes to draw inspiration from each other.
Tags: #CarlosAlcaraz, #JudeBellingham, #Wimbledon, #Euro2024, #RealMadrid
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