"Didn't ask because Wimbledon is Wimbledon": Carlos Alcaraz denies requesting favorable schedule for Frances Tiafoe clash to view Spain's Euro 2024 QF

Carlos Alcaraz has hilariously clarified that he had no hand in requesting favorable scheduling for his match against Frances Tiafoe at the Wimbledon Championships in order to watch Spain's clash against Germany in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024. The Spaniard also explained his reasons for recreating England footballer Jude Belingham's iconic celebration.

Alcaraz kept his hopes of a successful title defense alive at the grasscourt Major, narrowly edging past Tiafoe 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 in three hours and 51 minutes to book his place in the fourth round.

The World No. 3 was understandably elated after his triumph, rejoicing over his victory by recreating Bellingham's iconic celebration of spreading his arms wide open to bask in the crowd's cheers.

The 21-year-old's focus hilariously shifted to Spain's clash with Germany after his win, even interrupting his on-court interview to inquire about the score. He also disclosed his plans to watch the match after leaving the court and cheer for his national team.

"Yes of course. I am straight to put the match to support Spain. I think it's 30 minutes so I am going to go for it and let's see how it is going to be," he said.

However, Carlos Alcaraz clarified in his post-match press conference that he did not request the earlier slot on Centre Court to be able to watch the match, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Spain.

"I didn't ask for it because Wimbledon is Wimbledon (laughs), but I was very happy to see that they put me in the first match," Carlos Alcaraz said.

The 21-year-old also explained why he chose to replicate Jude Bellingham's celebration, emphasizing that it felt fitting to demonstrate it in London because of Bellingham's English heritage.

"As for the celebration, we are in London. He is English. That's the reason. I told him that a great victory deserves a great celebration (smiles)," he added.

Carlos Alcaraz on surviving five-set battle against Frances Tiafoe in Wimbledon 3R: "I believe that I am going to win, that is what makes the difference"

Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz (Source: Getty)

In the same press conference, Carlos Alcaraz revealed the secret behind his success in five-set matches, disclosing that his physical fitness and ability to raise his level in the fifth set allowed him to play more calmly than Frances Tiafoe.

"I feel very good physically (laughs). I don't know. In the fifth set I think I raised my tennis, my level. The fact that I feel so good physically also helps me to, let's say, play more calmly than my opponent," he said.

The World No. 3 also emphasized that his skill in pushing his opponent to the limit, his immense self-belief and his previous success in five-set matches gave him the edge in such battles.

"I play with the statistic that I have only lost one match in the fifth set, that is an advantage for me. I realise that I am a great player in the fifth set. I push my opponent and push him to the limit, I try to make him be at 100% physically and mentally," Carlos Alcaraz said.

"Sometimes it is difficult for the opponent to maintain that kind of intensity and that level in the fifth set. In my head I think that I am good at this, that I have to believe that I am going to win and that I am going to show my best tennis. I believe that I am going to win, that is what makes the difference for me," he added.

Carlos Alcaraz's remarkable prowess in five-set contests was on display during his title-winning run at the 2024 French Open, as he triumphed over Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev in back-to-back thrillers in the semifinals and final respectively.