Australian tennis pro Li Tu lost to Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open but won over fans online
Li Tu, 28, went viral on social media this week, earning love from tennis aficionados despite his loss Tuesday to the third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in the first round.
Australian tennis pro Li Tu’s time at the U.S. Open may have come to a close, but some fans still think he served.
Tu, 28, went viral on social media this week, earning love from tennis aficionados despite his loss Tuesday to third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in the first round. Tu — who was making his U.S. Open debut — drew praise for his honesty and humor during the high-pressure contest, even toward opponents.
In an ESPN interview after his loss, Tu was candid about how he felt seeing Alcaraz, a high-profile player, for the first time at his match.
“We go to the coin toss, and he took his jacket off. And I was like, ‘Dude, this guy’s a specimen,’” Tu told ESPN, laughing. “I just couldn’t stop looking at his shoulder definition and the veins. And the forehand says it. I mean, he’s got some serious, serious weaponry.”
Rennae Stubbs, an Australian coach and former pro, soon declared him the best interview of the tournament.
Rating: 5