Darts prodigy Luke Littler has expressed his keen interest in meeting tennis champion Carlos Alcaraz at the upcoming Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, an event often hailed as 'The Oscars of Sport'. Littler, a self-professed "big tennis fan", made history by becoming the first darts player ever to be shortlisted for the prestigious Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award.
Historic Nomination for Darts Star
The 19-year-old darts sensation, who recently defended his UK Open title by defeating James Wade in Sunday's final in Minehead, faces stiff competition for the breakthrough accolade. His rivals include Formula One driver Lando Norris and Paris St Germain's Champions League winner Desire Doue. Littler shared his pride on Instagram, stating, "Thank you @laureussport being the first darts player to be nominated for the Laureus world breakthrough of the year award is a huge honour."
Alcaraz Connection and Tennis Fandom
Littler's admiration for Alcaraz stems from the tennis star's own career trajectory and recent successes. Alcaraz, who won the Laureus Breakthrough Award in 2023, is now nominated for World Sportsman of the Year after a stellar year that included victories at the French Open and US Open, followed by completing the career grand slam with an Australian Open title in January. Littler humorously noted that Alcaraz's latest triumph in Melbourne "won me some money", referencing a bet against Novak Djokovic.
"The nominations came out and I didn't really look at too many of them," the two-time world darts champion explained. "But Carlos Alcaraz has been nominated and hopefully I can meet him. I'm a big tennis fan and I think at the Newcastle media day that morning or the day before he won me some money against (Novak) Djokovic."
Rapid Ascent and Future Plans
Reflecting on his meteoric rise in the sport, Littler quipped about his nomination, saying, "I'm in for the breakthrough of the year – and I think I've broken through twice now! It's obviously massive. It's an absolutely amazing feeling. I've not checked the nominees but I'm sure there's going to be loads of sport stars out there."
Following the awards ceremony, Littler is scheduled to return to Premier League darts action on Thursday night in Nottingham, continuing his busy competitive schedule. The Laureus Awards, set to take place next month, will bring together elite athletes from various disciplines, providing Littler with a unique opportunity to network with stars like Alcaraz in a celebratory setting.
