Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz was too strong for local player Reilly Opelka in their first round match at the US Open, winning 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Post-match, Alcaraz was pleased with his performance, but appeared even more excited to have met professional golfer Rory McIlroy earlier in the day.
“Well, it was the first time that I met him. It was such an honour.”
‘Admire him a lot’
During McIlroy’s recent epic Masters win at Augusta National (that completed a ‘grand slam’ of all four majors for the Northern Irishman), Alcaraz found time to watch McIlroy play his final round.
“I mean, I just admire him a lot. I’m just a huge fan of golf. The last day of the Masters, I just won Monte Carlo, and in my celebration, I was with the phone cheering him on, supporting him.”
Even though Alcaraz is a major celebrity in his own right, it appeared that he was star-struck by meeting McIlroy in person.
“It was an unbelievable experience for me meeting him and had a chance to talk a little bit with him.”
Alcaraz also added that McIlroy was a great human being.
“You know, as a person, he seems a really good guy, really close person.”
Carlos Alcaraz gushed when describing McIlroy’s athletic prowess.
“As an athlete, he has shown what he is capable of doing. His swing. His golf. It’s just amazing to watch his golf.
“So, I just admire him a lot.”
Dave Marshall is reporting exclusively from the US Open in Flushing Meadows for The South African.
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