Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca embraced an entertaining duel in Miami on December 8. The exhibition gather a couple of tennis stars but also an ultimate football icon, Ronaldo Nazario.
The Brazilian hit with Alcaraz and then took to social media to reveal what he claimed was an injury suffered while hitting with world no. 1 - complete with a fake arm sling for dramatic effect!
Ronaldo shared the joke through his Instagram story, "warning" everyone what happens when you train with the world's best player. His post sparked a wave of amused reactions from football and tennis fans.
The iconic striker posted with a grin, his right arm wrapped as if Alcaraz's thunderous forehand had shaken up one of the most feared athletes in football history. The light-hearted stunt came after a casual hit at LoanDepot Park.
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The home of the Miami Marlins welcomed tennis into baseball territory. Carlos, who spent a couple of memorable weeks in Florida, enjoyed every moment of it!
The Spaniard faced Joao Fonseca for the first time and prevailed 7-5, 2-6, 10-8 after an entertaining battle that gave the crowd what they expected to see from the two explosive young stars.
Alcaraz claimed the opener with a late break before Fonseca took charge. A teenager provided multiple breaks in the second set and gathered a boost ahead of the deciding match tie break.
The 19-year-old forged a 5-0 advantage before world no. 1 turned the tables and claimed ten of the final 13 points to emerge at the top. Returning to the opening lines, Ronaldo was not actually injured.
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It was a playful not to Carlos' explosive shot-making that made his the six-time Major winner at 22. It's also a reminder of how sport unites icons across disciplines.
The blend created "battle scars" and made the moment instantly viral and undoubtedly memorable. Who knows, maybe we will see them on the football court in the near future.
