Tennis

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, delivered a dominant performance to retain his title on Sunday, dismantling Serbia's Novak Djokovic in a rematch of last year's final. The 21-year-old Alcaraz, the third seed, produced a ruthless display to secure a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) victory, extending his perfect record in Grand Slam finals to four.Alcaraz's triumph marks his second Wimbledon title, adding to his 2022 victory. He has also won the U.S. Open and French Open in the past year, establishing himself as one of the most formidable forces in tennis.The match began with a tense first game that lasted 14 minutes, with Alcaraz eventually breaking Djokovic's serve. The Spaniard continued to dominate the opening set, serving with precision and powering through his groundstrokes. Djokovic, the 37-year-old second seed, struggled to find his rhythm and was unable to match Alcaraz's intensity.In the second set, Alcaraz maintained his momentum, breaking Djokovic's serve early and capitalizing on his service woes. Djokovic faced mounting pressure and was unable to break back, giving Alcaraz a commanding two-set lead.The third set proved to be more competitive, with both players trading blows from the baseline. Alcaraz broke Djokovic's serve to take a 5-4 lead, but squandered three match points and dropped serve. However, he remained composed and clinched victory in the tiebreak, sealing his triumph with a powerful backhand winner.Alcaraz's victory denied Djokovic a record-equaling 25th Grand Slam title and prevented him from surpassing Margaret Court on the all-time list. It also marked the first time that Djokovic had lost a Grand Slam final in straight sets since the 2016 French Open.

Barbora Krejcikova's Wimbledon triumph has not only earned her the coveted title but also a potential new coaching role from none other than pop icon P!nk. The Grammy-winning singer, an avid tennis enthusiast, has expressed her admiration for the Czech champion and extended an invitation to become her coach.Krejcikova and P!nk's connection dates back to last year's Indian Wells tournament, where the singer participated in a charity exhibition match and witnessed Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova's doubles victory. The pop star has since become a fan of Krejcikova, describing her as "a big star in Czech."After Krejcikova's thrilling 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory over Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final, P!nk was among the first to congratulate the newly crowned champion. In a heartwarming encounter, the singer embraced Krejcikova and exclaimed, "Hi champ!"Krejcikova expressed her gratitude for P!nk's support, saying, "You liked it?" To which the singer replied, "I didn't like it! Don't ever do that again. ... I am so proud of all of you. That was so stressful."In a playful moment, Krejcikova invited P!nk to watch her from her player's box in the future. The singer responded with a joke, "Listen, don't threaten me with a good time," before declaring Krejcikova her "new coach."P!nk's presence at Wimbledon was part of a star-studded weekend that included appearances from Tom Cruise, Anna-Taylor Joy, Hugh Jackman, and Zendaya. The singer's admiration for Krejcikova and her potential coaching role have added an unexpected twist to the Wimbledon story.

American Taylor Townsend and Czech partner Katerina Siniakova etched their names in Wimbledon history on Saturday, capturing their first Grand Slam title in the women's doubles final. The duo defeated Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski and New Zealand's Erin Routliffe in a thrilling 7-6(5) 7-6(1) encounter under the illuminated Centre Court roof.Townsend, 28, had endured heartbreak in previous Grand Slam doubles finals, losing in the 2022 U.S. Open and last year's French Open. However, alongside Siniakova, who boasts nine doubles Slams, she found redemption.The Chicago-born Townsend, who became a mother in 2021, was visibly emotional after the victory. "I'm so glad I could team up with Katerina," she said. "It's been an amazing couple of weeks."Siniakova, who had won her first two Wimbledon doubles crowns with Barbora Krejcikova, expressed her pride in both her partner and Krejcikova's singles triumph earlier in the day.Routliffe, who partnered with Dabrowski to win the U.S. Open doubles title last year, will take solace in reaching the number one spot in the women's doubles rankings. "This was my first Wimbledon final but hopefully not my last," she said.The victory marks a significant milestone for Townsend, who has overcome adversity to achieve her Grand Slam dream. Her triumph serves as an inspiration to all athletes, demonstrating that perseverance and determination can lead to success.

Jasmine Paolini's Wimbledon dream ended in heartbreak as she fell to Barbora Krejcikova in the final, just weeks after losing the French Open title match. The Italian, ranked seventh in the world, fought back from a shaky start to level the match but ultimately succumbed to a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 defeat on Centre Court.Paolini's remarkable rise to the Wimbledon final marked a significant milestone for Italian women's tennis. She had never progressed beyond the second round of a Grand Slam before reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open earlier this year. Her performances in Paris and London have propelled her to number five in the world rankings, a remarkable achievement considering she ended last season in 30th place.Despite the bitter disappointment of her recent losses, Paolini remains optimistic about her future prospects. "I'm still aiming at great things," she said. "I have to say that. I don't know. I'm going back, trying to practise, to stay in the present, as I said many times. This is the goal for me, my team, to try to keep this level as much as possible."Paolini's journey to the Wimbledon final was not without its challenges. She faced a tough draw, including a quarterfinal clash against former world number one Simona Halep. However, she displayed resilience and determination throughout the tournament, showcasing her impressive all-court game and powerful serve.In the final, Paolini struggled to find her rhythm in the opening set, but she rallied in the second to level the match. The deciding set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks. Ultimately, Krejcikova's experience and composure proved decisive as she secured the victory.Despite the disappointment, Paolini's Wimbledon run has been a testament to her talent and hard work. She has proven that she belongs among the elite players in the world and has set the stage for future success.

Wimbledon has witnessed a remarkable legacy of Czech women's tennis dominance, with four players from the country claiming Grand Slam singles titles. Barbora Krejcikova, the latest champion, has joined the ranks of Jana Novotna, Petra Kvitova, and Helena Sukova.Krejcikova's triumph at Wimbledon 2024 was a testament to her resilience and determination. After a challenging season, she defied expectations to reach the final, where she faced Jasmine Paolini of Italy. In a thrilling match, Krejcikova prevailed in three sets, becoming the first Czech woman to win Wimbledon since Novotna in 1998."I still can't believe I won Wimbledon," exclaimed Krejcikova. "It's a dream come true." She attributed her success to the mentorship of Novotna, who passed away in 2017. "She told me I had the potential to be a champion," said Krejcikova. "I never thought I would win the same trophy as Jana did."Novotna's legacy continues to inspire Czech tennis players. She was a trailblazing figure who won Wimbledon in 1998, becoming the first Czech woman to claim a Grand Slam singles title. Her mentorship of Krejcikova and other young players has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Czech women's tennis.Paolini, the runner-up at Wimbledon 2024, also made history by reaching the final. Her performance propelled her into the top-5 of the WTA rankings. "I'm proud of what I've achieved," said Paolini. "I've received a lot of support from the fans, and it's been an incredible experience."Wimbledon's special connection with Czech women's tennis is a testament to the country's rich tennis tradition. The Czech Republic has produced numerous world-class players, including Ivan Lendl, Martina Navratilova, and Tomas Berdych. The country's success in tennis is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong grassroots program, dedicated coaches, and a passion for the sport.As Wimbledon 2024 draws to a close, the legacy of Czech women's tennis continues to shine brightly. Barbora Krejcikova's triumph is a reminder of the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination that have characterized the Czech players who have graced the hallowed courts of Wimbledon.

India's triumphant T20 World Cup-winning captain, Rohit Sharma, graced the hallowed grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club to witness the enthralling men's singles semi-finals of Wimbledon 2024. Clad in an elegant olive suit, brown tie, and leather shoes, Rohit was spotted courtside, his presence adding a touch of cricket royalty to the tennis spectacle.Just over a week after leading India to their second T20 World Cup title, Rohit's appearance at Wimbledon sparked a flurry of excitement among fans and media alike. The Indian skipper's decision to attend the semi-finals, featuring Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz, showcased his appreciation for the sport and his desire to witness some of the world's finest tennis players in action.As images of Rohit near the Centre Court went viral, IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) couldn't resist poking fun at their skipper with a humorous post on Instagram. "Skipper himself in the garden," RCB captioned the post, referring to Rohit's famous "garden" comment during the Test series against England earlier this year.Rohit's attendance at Wimbledon also marked a significant milestone in his career. Having recently announced his retirement from T20 cricket, the Indian legend is now focusing on the longer formats of the game. With 4231 runs in 159 T20 internationals, Rohit is the format's leading run-scorer and holds the record for most centuries (five). He has also won two T20 World Cups, one as a player in 2007 and the other as captain in 2024.Meanwhile, on the tennis court, Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious in the first semi-final, defeating Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling four-set encounter. The young Spaniard will now face four-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in the final, promising an epic clash between two of the sport's most formidable players.Rohit Sharma's presence at Wimbledon not only highlighted his love for sports but also served as a reminder of the growing popularity of tennis in India. With the country producing a new generation of talented players, the future of Indian tennis looks bright, and Rohit's support for the sport is sure to inspire aspiring young athletes.

Wimbledon Ticket Prices Soar to Record HighsDarren Rovell's tweet on Friday afternoon revealed the staggering cost of attending the prestigious Wimbledon tennis tournament this year. As of Saturday morning, the cheapest ticket available was priced at £8,901 ($11,305), located in Debenture 315.For those seeking a more premium experience, seats in Debenture 207, along the baseline opposite the Royal Box, came with a hefty price tag of £18,073 ($23,000). These prices exclude transportation and accommodation costs.The surge in ticket prices reflects the tournament's enduring popularity and the limited availability of seats. Wimbledon's Centre Court has a capacity of just 14,979, making it one of the most exclusive sporting venues in the world.The tournament's organizers have defended the high prices, arguing that they are necessary to cover the costs of maintaining the grounds and providing a world-class experience for spectators. However, some critics have expressed concern that the rising costs could make Wimbledon inaccessible to all but the wealthiest fans.Despite the high prices, demand for Wimbledon tickets remains strong. The tournament is considered one of the most prestigious events in tennis, and fans are eager to witness the world's top players compete for the coveted Wimbledon trophy.

Novak Djokovic, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend, is poised to make history at Wimbledon on Sunday. With a victory over Carlos Alcaraz, he could become the oldest Wimbledon champion in the modern era and claim a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.Djokovic's pursuit of history comes just five weeks after undergoing surgery on his right knee. Despite the recent setback, he has displayed remarkable resilience and determination throughout the tournament. "I'm aware of what's on the line," said Djokovic. "Any Grand Slam that I play, there's always history now on the line. I will try to use that as a fuel to play my best tennis."Djokovic's Wimbledon final appearance will be his 10th, a testament to his longevity and dominance in the sport. A 25th Grand Slam title would surpass the all-time record of 24 held by Margaret Court. "It serves as a great motivation, but at the same time it's also a lot of pressure and expectations," added Djokovic.Alcaraz, 16 years Djokovic's junior, is a rising star in tennis. He is seeking his second Wimbledon title after winning the US Open in 2022 and the French Open last month. However, Djokovic has won their last two meetings, including the 2023 Cincinnati Open final and the semi-finals of the ATP Tour Finals.The Wimbledon final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the world's best players. Djokovic's experience and determination will be tested against Alcaraz's youthful exuberance and aggressive style of play.

Nick Kyrgios's return to competitive tennis remains shrouded in uncertainty, but his recent practice session with Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon has sparked speculation about a potential comeback at the US Open.Djokovic, who defeated Kyrgios in the 2022 Wimbledon final, revealed that the Australian hinted at a possible return at the US Open, which begins in late August. "He hit a really good serve, and he said, ‘Well, I might come back at the U.S. Open.’ So I don’t know if he was joking about it or not," Djokovic said.Kyrgios, 29, has been sidelined for nearly two years due to knee and wrist injuries. He has played only one official singles match since October 2022 and has been working as a TV commentator during Wimbledon.Djokovic expressed optimism about Kyrgios's potential return, noting that he is "hitting the ball as good as ever." However, he cautioned that the transition from practice to tournament play is a significant challenge. "It’s one thing ... really practicing for like an hour or two, but completely something different when you are out there on the tour playing in a tournament where you have to come back every single day — maybe for four, five, six days in a row," Djokovic said.Kyrgios's wrist injury remains a concern, and Djokovic believes that he will only know how it will hold up once he plays in a tournament. "I guess he will also not know if his wrist will react well until he actually plays a tournament," Djokovic said.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return, Djokovic expressed his hope that Kyrgios will be able to compete again soon. "I think everyone in tennis hopes he can come back quickly," Djokovic said, "because we definitely need him on the tour."