Tennis

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.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, two of the most formidable forces in tennis, are poised to make history in the 2024 Wimbledon men's championship final on Sunday. Last year, Alcaraz triumphed over Djokovic in an epic five-set thriller at the All England Club, securing his third major championship.Now, Alcaraz aims to capture his fourth Grand Slam title, while Djokovic, at 37, seeks to match Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon crowns. The Serbian legend has recently relinquished his world No. 1 ranking to Jannik Sinner after a knee injury forced him to withdraw from the French Open quarterfinals.Former world No. 1 Mats Wilander has weighed in on the impending clash, expressing his belief that Alcaraz may hold a psychological edge. "Carlos Alcaraz has won Wimbledon and beaten Novak there. He knows what to expect and feels he has many more years and chances to win Wimbledon," Wilander told Eurosport.However, Wilander also acknowledges the pressure that Djokovic may be facing as he contemplates retirement. "Novak is starting to feel like his time is coming in a year or two or three. That nervousness may catch up to him in the finals on Sunday," Wilander added.Djokovic, who underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee just over a month ago, is determined to avenge his 2023 loss to Alcaraz. A victory would not only give him his 25th Grand Slam singles title, but also make him the oldest Wimbledon champion of the modern era.The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown between two generational talents. Djokovic's experience and resilience will be tested against Alcaraz's youthful exuberance and relentless determination. The outcome of this epic clash will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the annals of tennis history.

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.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary "King of Clay," is poised to make history once again as he prepares to face Leo Borg, the son of tennis icon Bjorn Borg, in the first round of the Nordea Open. This highly anticipated match marks Nadal's first tournament appearance since his Roland Garros loss in June.Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has dominated the clay courts for years, holding the record for most French Open titles with 14. His remarkable achievements have surpassed those of Bjorn Borg, who won 11 Grand Slams and six Roland Garros titles.The upcoming match between Nadal and Leo Borg carries a special significance. Leo, a 21-year-old Swedish wild card, is following in his father's footsteps as a promising tennis player. The encounter will be a symbolic passing of the torch between two generations of tennis greats.Nadal's decision to prioritize the Summer Olympics in Paris has led him to skip the grass-court season, including Wimbledon. Instead, he has opted to focus on clay, where he will compete in singles and doubles with reigning Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz.In addition to his singles match against Borg, Nadal has also entered the Båstad men's doubles draw alongside Casper Ruud, a two-time Roland Garros finalist. This strategic move demonstrates Nadal's commitment to maintaining his dominance on clay and preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games.The Nordea Open will provide a crucial test for Nadal as he aims to regain his form after his Roland Garros setback. The tournament will also offer a glimpse into the future of tennis, as Leo Borg seeks to establish his own legacy on the court.

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.