NBA Star Jimmy Butler Sings Praises For Carlos Alcaraz

| by Alex Waite

Praise for world number one Carlos Alcaraz has been widespread recently, and stars from other sports are also starting to recognize the 19-year-old's talents.

After his third-round Miami Open victory against Dusan Lajovic, Alcaraz met NBA star Jimmy Butler and Dominican singer Natti Natasha. Both were appreciative of the 19-year-old and his ability on the court, as he's showcasing his qualities at the ATP 1000 tournament in Florida.

However, Miami Heat player Butler, who also watched Alcaraz in the Argentina Open semi-final in February this year, was particularly complimentary of the Spanish teenager's recent rise in tennis when speaking to ATP Tour.

"He’s always poised. He’s never rattled and more than anything, it looks like he’s having so much fun out there. I think whenever you have fun and you have that mentality that you know you’re the best, you go out there and you play as though you’re the best, results happen and he’s not No. 1 for no reason.”

Jimmy Butler on Alcaraz
Alcaraz Explains How Nadal Inspires Him In His Career
Alcaraz Explains How Nadal Inspires Him In His Career

Despite winning at the top level in tennis and his incredibly high standards on the courts, Alcaraz admitted he still feels over-awed when he meets fellow sports stars, something he may get used to in the upcoming years of his career.

"I feel a little bit nervous when I see a person like Jimmy, celebrities, when I was playing, like in the US Open. For me it's unbelievable. In certain ways I can't believe that these people enjoy watching my matches for me. It's crazy.”

Following his Indian Wells victory earlier in March, Alcaraz hopes to progress in Miami to seal the Sunshine Double, a very rare feat in the world of tennis.

Next up for Alcaraz is American player Tommy Paul, who the 19-year-old will face in the fourth round. So far, the 19-year-old has knocked out Dusan Lajovic and Facundo Bagnis at the competition.

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