2023 Wimbledon Champion Carlos Alcaraz who is now a 2-time Slam champion, has revealed the message he got from compatriot and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal prior to his final against Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz beat Djokovic, 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to become the first man to beat the Serb on coveted SW19 Centre Court since Andy Murray in 2013. The Spaniard has since been showered with congratulatory messages from fellow tennis players and fraternity that also include Djokovic’s nemesis Nadal who is currently on sidelines and recovering from a hip injury.
Here is a translation of the congratulatory text posted by Nadal on social media: “Congratulations @carlosalcaraz. You have given us immense joy today and I am sure that our pioneer in Spanish tennis, Manolo Santana, has also been cheering wherever he is, such as Wimbledon whom you have joined today. A very strong hug and enjoy the moment, Champion!!!”
Alcaraz spoke about the messages he received from icons from different industries and sports, “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.”
Flooded with messages, Alcaraz also received a text from Hollywood, “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.”
Alcaraz also divulged a special text message from his idol before the final as well, “Yes, yes, he sent me a message.
“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.”