Carlos Alcaraz supports Spain as Novak Djokovic interviews Messi: Tennis stars become part of World Cup final story

Sunday, 19 July 2026 at 06:30

carlos-alcaraz-and-novak-djokovic-with-their-australian-open-trophies

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will both be linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with the two tennis icons preparing to be part of one of the biggest sporting events of the year. While Alcaraz will be in the stands at MetLife Stadium supporting Spain against Argentina, Djokovic recently shared a special conversation with Lionel Messi ahead of the decisive match.

For Alcaraz, the World Cup final arrives during an unusual period away from tennis. The Spaniard has been sidelined since suffering a wrist injury at the Barcelona Open in April, forcing him to miss both Roland Garros and Wimbledon as he focused on his recovery.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion has previously spoken about the difficulty of watching tournaments from home while being unable to compete, but he has also used the break to follow other sports. His attendance in New York reflects his long-standing passion for football and his connection with Spanish athletes beyond tennis.

Instead of fighting for titles during the grass-court season, Alcaraz will experience the World Cup final as a supporter, hoping to see Spain claim one of football’s biggest trophies. The Spaniard is expected to return to competition at the Cincinnati Open in mid-August, where he will begin his preparation for the defense of US Open title.

Alcaraz will be attending the World Cup final in New York tomorrow to cheer on his fellow Spaniards 🇪🇸⚽

📸 @antonio_17_8 pic.twitter.com/IaUQOeEq8t
— Alcaraz Updates🐝 (@alcarazzupdates) July 18, 2026

Djokovic discusses pressure and success with Lionel Messi

While Alcaraz will be supporting Spain from the stands, Djokovic approached the event from a different angle by interviewing Lionel Messi ahead of the final. The two sporting legends discussed the challenges of competing at the highest level, dealing with expectations and maintaining motivation after achieving historic success.

Djokovic, who recently reached the Wimbledon semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, spoke about the mentality required to continue competing against younger generations. The Serbian has built his career around handling pressure in decisive moments, including some of the most memorable matches in tennis history.

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"Hey Novak, as our coach said, we started playing football with great passion and a constant desire to play and enjoy it, no matter the place; whether at school, in the street, or with one of the neighborhood teams, just as we all started when we were young. We never thought about pressure; instead, we treated it as something natural."

The conversation with Messi also reflected the similarities between two athletes who have dominated their respective sports for more than a decade. Both have collected historic records, faced constant expectations and continued searching for new challenges despite already establishing themselves among the greatest athletes of all time.

Novak Djokovic 🎾🗣️: “Leo, how did you learn to deal with pressure and keep fighting under it?”

🚨 Lionel Messi 🐐🗣️: “We started playing football with great passion and a constant desire to enjoy the game, whether at school, in the street, or with neighborhood teams. We never… pic.twitter.com/fDa9Wy4Wuj
— We Are Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) July 17, 2026

Alcaraz and Djokovic set to reunite at Cincinnati Open

After their connection with the World Cup final, Alcaraz and Djokovic will soon return their focus to tennis, with both expected to compete at the Cincinnati Open. The tournament will mark Djokovic’s return after his Wimbledon semi-final run, while for Alcaraz it represents his comeback event after several months away due to his wrist injury.

The Cincinnati Masters 1000 will therefore provide a first look at where both players stand heading into the US Open swing. Djokovic arrives after another deep Grand Slam run at 39 years old, while Alcaraz will attempt to regain rhythm after missing two major tournaments and returning directly to one of the most important parts of the season.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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