Alcaraz throws down gauntlet for Spain's soccer team with win over Frenchman

LONDON : Carlos Alcaraz hopes his Wimbledon win over France's Ugo Humbert on Sunday will be repeated by Spain's soccer team in their Euro 2024 semi-final against Les Bleus.

The defending champion and third seed won 6-3 6-4 1-6 7-5 to reach the quarter-finals although he was fully stretched by an inspired 16th seed Humbert.

Soccer fan Alcaraz, who has been keeping a careful eye on Spain's progress at Euro 2024, will play his quarter-final on Tuesday on the same day Spain meet France in Munich.

"Hopefully they're going to get the same result as me today," the 21-year-old told reporters.

"I won in the tennis part, so hopefully the Spanish team are going to win the football part."

Alcaraz missed the first half of Spain's quarter-final victory over Germany this week after needing five sets to see off American big-hitter Frances Tiafoe.

The three-time Grand Slam champion is hoping that the schedulers are kind to him on Tuesday with Spain kicking off against France at 1900 GMT.

"The first thing is I am supporting Spain because it's Spain," he said. "I have a really good relationship with a few players of the team. In particular, with Alvaro Morata.

"He's a really good friend. So right now it's time to support them, as I know they supporting me when I'm playing matches or I'm playing tournaments. It's my turn.

"Hopefully on Tuesday we are not going to play at the same time. But let's see. Hopefully I will be able to see a little bit from the match."

With rain impacting the schedule again on Sunday, the 21-year-old Alcaraz was still waiting to discover who he will play in his ninth Grand Slam quarter-final.

He will face either American Tommy Paul or fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.