Carlos Alcaraz handed out an award during the Laureus awards in Madrid on Monday. Photo: Manu Fernandez / AP / NTB
Of NTB | 24.04.2024 07:00:26
Sport: The young tennis star opens up about the emotions he felt before entering the stage in Madrid.
– To be honest, I didn’t feel comfortable at all. I was so nervous and my legs were shaking. I rehearsed the speech 50 times to make sure everything was perfect. I’m not used to speaking in front of so many sports legends. It was a great experience, Alcaraz told a press conference ahead of the Madrid Open.
The 20-year-old world coach describes the moment when he presented Bellingham with the award as “beautiful”.
– I have so much respect for him. He’s an amazing athlete, so I’m glad I got to experience this.
Alcaraz himself received the award as breakthrough of the year during last year’s awards. The 20-year-old has taken the international tennis scene by storm in recent years, including by winning both the US Open (2022) and Wimbledon (2023).
This week, the Spaniard will try to win his third straight title in the Madrid Open. Alcaraz is the second seed in the tournament.
(© NTB)