Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has paid a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo in a unique fashion at the ongoing Shanghai Masters. The current World No. 2 is one of the huge favorites to win the ATP Masters 1000 event and progressed to the Round of 16 with a 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over China's Wu Yibing on Sunday, October 6.
After the win, Alcaraz signed on one of the courtside cameras, writing his own initials followed by Ronaldo's iconic 'Siuuu', making reference to the signature celebration of the Portuguese icon.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has become one of the most renowned athletes globally. The Al-Nassr star is a role model for many inside and outside of football due to his outstanding accomplishments on and off the field.
His iconic 'Siuu' celebration has become a favorite among fans and followers of the 39-year-old, and they mimic the celebration in moments of success. Alcaraz's reference to Ronaldo's signature celebration suggests that he is a fan of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
In an interview back in 2019 (via Mirror), Ronaldo revealed the origin and meaning of the celebration. He said:
"I started to say ‘si’, it’s like ‘yes’, when I was in Real Madrid. When we would win, everyone would say ‘siiiii’ and so I started to say it. I don’t know why, it was natural. I was in the USA and we played against Chelsea [in 2013] and I don’t know where this is coming from, the celebration.
"I just scored the goal and it just came out. It was just natural, to be honest. Since that, I started to do it more often and I feel like the supporters and the fans see it and they’re like ‘Cristiano, siiiiiiuuuu’.
"I’m like ‘wow! People are reminded of me because of it!’ So it’s good, and I’ll continue doing it like that." Ronaldo concluded.
Cristiano Ronaldo's influence extends beyond football and his iconic celebration. The Portugal international has one of the largest fan bases across various social media platforms.
Cristiano Ronaldo to lead Portugal in UEFA Nations League clashes against Poland and Scotland
The footballing icon is set to lead the line for Portugal when they face Poland and Scotland on October 13 and 15, respectively, in their upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes.
During last month's international break, Ronaldo scored a goal each in Portugal's 2-1 victories over Croatia and Scotland. His goal against the former nation made him the first men's football player to score 900 goals for club and country. He then scored his 901st goal in the following game.
Cristiano Ronaldo currently has 905 career goals and will look to add to his tally in the upcoming Nations League games.