Carlos Alcaraz says Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham will be the "best player in the world”

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Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has been taking care of business at the US Open, but the 20-year-old says he has also been keeping a close eye on all the sports headlines back home.

A few days after condemning RFEF president Luis Rubiales in the wake of the scandal surrounding the Spanish women’s national team, Alcaraz gave his stamp of approval to new Real Madrid signing Jude Bellingham.

“I'm really happy to watch him play in Real Madrid,” he told press after his 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (4) second-round victory over Lloyd Harris. “He's such a great, talented player, one of the best in the world. I'm sure that he's going to be the best player in the world in that position.

“I'm just really, really happy to have him in the team… I talked a little bit with him. He's such a great person, as well. It's a complete guy.”

A true ‘Madridista’, Alcaraz is a frequent visitor to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and when he’s on the road he sends the team messages of support on the camera lens. And he may be onto something with his Bellingham prediction: The 20-year-old moved from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid over the summer in a $143 million transfer—and has already made a bit of history in his first official matches, becoming the first player from England to earn LaLiga’s Player of the Month award.

But when he’s not following Spanish soccer, Alcaraz says he’s glued to tennis live score apps. He’s been spotted following scores during games, even during press conferences, and he’s back at it at the US Open.

“I love watching the matches, following the scores. It doesn't matter if it's in the top part or the bottom part [of the draw], I’m following all the results,” Alcaraz said grinning.

“I love Grand Slams 'cause there are a lot of matches. I'm almost full day watching scores. I love watching all the matches.”

No. 1 seed Alcaraz will take on No. 26 Dan Evans in the third round of the US Open on Saturday.