Carlos Alcaraz booked his spot in the final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships on Friday, but still had to apologize to the fans on Center Court for his comments on the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England. The Spaniard also ended up getting booed by the crowd after they presumed he was hoping for his home country to beat the Three Lions in Sunday's final.
Alcaraz had to mount a mini comeback in the semifinals, overturning a one-set deficit to beat Medvedev 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in a little under three hours. The head-to-head between the duo is now 5-2, with the 21-year-old having won their last three matches on the trot.
Speaking at his on-court interview afterwards, the World No. 3 was asked about his plans for Sunday's final, when he mentioned that it was going to be a good day for Spanish people as the Euro final is set to be played on the same day.
"It's gonna be good day for Spanish people as well," Alcaraz said.
At this, the local fans started booing him loudly, which made the defending champion take stock of the situation. He quickly went into diplomatic mode and reminded the crowd that he did not say Spain was gonna win, just that it was going to be a 'fun' day.
"I didn’t say Spain is gonna win. I’m just saying that it’s gonna be a really fun day," he added.
Spain defeated France in the semifinals, winning 2-1. England won their semifinal agains the Netherlands by the same scoreline.
As for Alcaraz, the Spaniard will be looking to complete the Channel Slam on Sunday -- lifting both the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back in the same calendar year. The former World No. 1 took down Alexander Zverev in the final at Roland Garros last month, and will be looking to win his fourth Major title at SW19 this weekend.
Carlos Alcaraz to take on Novak Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 final
Following his win over Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz will now take on Novak Djokovic in the final of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. The World No. 2 defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals to set up a rematch of last year's title showdown at SW19.
In 2023, Alcaraz defeated the Serb in five sets to win his second Grand Slam overall and first at the Grass Major. On Sunday, he will be aiming for his second Wimbledon title and fourth Major overall, while Djokovic is on the look-out for his 25th Slam overall and eighth at the tournament.