Alcaraz: Bellingham ‘one of the best players’ in the world

Published 23/04/2024 at 19:57 GMT

Tennis ace Carlos Alcaraz was on hand to present Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham with the 2024 Laureus breakthrough award at the weekend, and the Spaniard has given his verdict on the footballer, and where he believes he ranks in the echelons at the top of the men’s game. “Right now, I think, if he is not the best player in the world, (he is) one of the best ones,” said Alcaraz.Alcaraz hails ‘amazing’ Bellingham as ‘one of the best’ players in world

Jude Bellingham is “one of the best” players in the world, according to tennis star Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz recently presented Bellingham with the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award.

But Alcaraz didn’t just hand the trophy over to his fellow star – the Spaniard went one further on the eve of the Madrid Masters, with a striking statement hailing the England international.

“Well… for me it is difficult to believe he is 20 (years-old). Right now, I think, if he is not the best player in the world, (he is) one of the best ones,” the two-time Grand Slam winner said.

“I think everything he transmits to everyone on-and-off the field is amazing. I have a lot of respect for him. It is great to have him in Real Madrid.”

Alcaraz presents Bellingham with Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award

Alcaraz is also 20-years-old, and like Bellingham has the world at his feet so is well placed to judge how the football star is handling himself, as well as how he is performing on the pitch. Both show maturity beyond their years – and both have very bright futures ahead.

Bellingham has become a pivotal player for Real Madrid since joining, with 17 goals in La Liga this season including the winner against Barcelona in El Clasico last weekend. The England regular also has a handful of goals from the UEFA Champions League to show for his season so far, with a semi-final against Bayern Munich still to come.

As for Alcaraz, he might have one eye on the football on Friday night when Real Madrid next play but his full focus will be on getting his clay court season underway in Madrid after sitting out Monte Carlo and Barcelona with a right arm injury.

“But I don’t want to say anything because I said I was going to play in Barcelona and in the end it was not possible. I have already trained in Madrid, I have felt good feelings and I think we are on the right track.

“Judging by these feelings, I think I will be able to be in the tournament.”

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