WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz gives nod to Cristiano Ronaldo after Shanghai Masters 3R win

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Carlos Alcaraz made a reference to Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic goal celebration following his third round win over Wu Yibing at the ongoing 2024 Rolex Shanghai Masters. Alcaraz won the match 7-6(5), 6-3 to register his eleventh straight ATP Tour-level victory.

Alcaraz had started his campaign at the ATP Masters 1000 event with a straightforward 6-2, 6-2 second-round win over home hope Shang Juncheng. However, things were far more complicated for the No. 3 seed against another home favorite in Wu Yibing on Sunday, October 6. Ultimately though, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion came out on top for what was his 100th hard-court win.After the conclusion of the match, Carlos Alcaraz signed on one of the courtside cameras, writing his own initials followed by the word ‘Siuuu’; a reference to the signature celebration of soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

Watch the moment unfold below:

The Spaniard was quite impressed with Wu’s level and later spoke about how the Chinese never let him feel as if he was in control of the match.

“I don’t want to say I was surprised, but it was the first time I was playing against him. He just beat [Nicolas] Jarry really easily, 6-2, 6-2, so that’s impressive. I had to be focused on playing my best. I’m not used to feeling the feelings I had on the court. He is a really powerful player, plays really strong, so I felt like I was not dominating the game,” Carlos Alcaraz said (via the ATP Tour).

Alcaraz, currently riding a wave of success following his recent title triumph at the 2024 China Open in Beijing, is set to face either Gael Monfils or Ugo Humbert in the fourth round in Shanghai.

Carlos Alcaraz has the lead over both Gael Monfils and Ugo Humbert in their respective ATP Tour head-to-heads

Carlos Alcaraz has faced veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils on three occasions on the ATP Tour and won two of those matches. Against Monfils’ compatriot Ugo Humbert, the Spaniard has played twice and won on both occasions.

However, despite his head-to-head lead over both Frenchmen, Alcaraz would be particularly wary of locking horns against Monfils. The pair’s most recent clash came at this year’s Cincinnati Open, which saw Alcaraz slump to a shock second-round loss.The Spaniard had established a one-set advantage in that match. However, he ultimately lost the next two sets. During the contest, Alcaraz also produced a rare moment of on-court frustration, as he violently smashed his racket after losing a crucial point.

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