Carlos Alcaraz has been taking the tennis world by storm lately, with the Spanish star perhaps the man to beat at Wimbledon.
Fellow stars Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic will, however, have other ideas at the third Grand Slam of the season.
But Alcaraz is the defending champion at the All England Club, while he also just emerged victorious at the French Open.
And he has now battled into the fourth round of Wimbledon, landing a last 16 place after a very tricky test against Frances Tiafoe.
The third seed fought off a real scare against the American to win 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(7-2), 6-2 on centre court, having spoken very highly of Tiafoe before their meeting.
Carlos Alcaraz spoke to Jude Bellingham ahead of his Wimbledon match
The Spaniard deserves huge credit for the hard-fought victory, but he has seemingly taken inspiration from another star in the world of sports.
Footballer Jude Bellingham clearly holds a special place in Alcaraz’s heart, with the tennis ace now revealing why he copied the England star’s celebration at Wimbledon.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Wimbledon 2024 from how to watch to dates
“I have huge respect for him,” Alcaraz said in his third round press conference. “We are in London. He is England.
“So that’s why. I told him that a big win deserves a big celebration.”
Can Carlos Alcaraz defend his Wimbledon title?
Alcaraz now has a fantastic chance of recreating his French Open success in London following his superb win at SW19.
World number 29 Tiafoe can certainly be proud of his efforts, with the American constantly testing his opponent on the grass.
But Alcaraz proved why he is already one of the world’s top players aged just 21, with John McEnroe claiming the Spaniard is a more complete player than Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic at the same age.
His path to back-to-back Wimbledon titles will, however, be tricky, with Tommy Paul, Daniil Medvedev and Sinner all on his side of the draw.
Alcaraz will be keen to go as far as possible in London, with Bellingham hoping to clinch Euro 2024 glory with England in Germany.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
