Rafael Nadal’s private text message to Carlos Alcaraz that inspired Wimbledon triumph
New Wimbledon men’s singles champion Carlos Alcaraz has revealed Rafael Nadal played a key role in insipring him to defeat Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final.
Alcaraz won his second Grand Slam title on Centre Court at the weekend, playing out a thrilling five-set match with Djokovic. The Serbian had a long-running rivalry with Nadal during the Spaniard’s time at the top level, facing each other 59 times.
And it appears that Nadal stepped in to get another one over his old rival when Alcaraz was preparing to face Djokovic in Sunday’s final. It was the first time the 20-year-old had reached the final at Wimbledon, though he did win the US Open last year.
He was facing a sizeable task, with Djokovic having won the previous four tournaments held at Wimbledon in succession. But Alcaraz had a trump card on his side in compatriot Nadal.
The newly crowned winner has revealed that Nadal sent him a private message ahead of the match to wish him look. Asked what Nadal had sent him, Alcaraz replied: “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.”
Using that message as inspiration, Alcaraz went on to defeat Djokovic 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 in the showpiece event. It was a thrilling final, with the fourth game of the third set lasting an astonishing 26 minutes alone.
