Alcaraz not expecting mental edge over Sinner in Wimbledon final: He'll be better
In many ways, Alcaraz vs Sinner is quickly becoming the defining showdown of the post-Big Three era. The epic 5-hour-29-minute battle they produced at Roland Garros is already considered one of the great Grand Slam finals of all time, with Alcaraz rallying from two sets down to defend his French Open crown. But as both players prepare to meet again at the All England Club, past glory is firmly in the rear-view mirror.Alcaraz booked his place in the final with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 win over American Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals, a match where he found his rhythm after a slight second-set hiccup. The Spaniard is now just one win away from joining elite company — Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic — as the only men to have won three consecutive Wimbledon titles in the Open Era.Sinner, meanwhile, produced one of the most dominant performances of his career, defeating seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets — 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 — in just under two hours. In doing so, he not only reached his maiden Wimbledon final but also avenged his semi-final loss to the Serbian legend from last year. His win also marked the first time since 2017 that a Wimbledon final will not feature Djokovic.Alcaraz knows this version of Sinner will come in with more hunger, more belief, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to win on the sport's biggest stages.- Ends
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Hindustan Times
25 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Tennis-Sinner seeks redemption, Alcaraz a three-peat in Wimbledon final showdown
By Martyn Herman Tennis-Sinner seeks redemption, Alcaraz a three-peat in Wimbledon final showdown LONDON, - For Jannik Sinner, Sunday's Wimbledon final offers a chance of redemption; for Carlos Alcaraz it is an opportunity to join an elite club of men who have won the title three years in succession. There are many other plot lines but above all the showdown will help to cement a rivalry that could dominate tennis for a decade. Fears of a void in the wake of the golden era of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic were real surely nothing would ever be the same again after an age in which they took the sport to unimaginable heights. From 2003 to 2023, the trio accumulated 66 Grand Slam titles between them and their rivalries were complex and compelling in equal measure. Djokovic is not done yet but a new era has begun and it promises to be just as spectacular as the previous one. Between them, Alcaraz and Sinner have shared the last six Grand Slam titles and their mesmeric clash last month in the longest-ever French Open final is being touted as one of the greatest of all time. The Spaniard came back from two sets down and saved three match points on his way to a fifth Grand Slam title, in the process taking his head-to-head record over Sinner to 8-4, including winning all of the last four. It was a painful defeat for world number one Sinner but he has not had to wait long to try to set the record straight. "He is the favourite. He won here two times in a row. He's again in the final. It's very tough to beat him on grass but I like these challenges," the 23-year-old Sinner said of Alcaraz after beating Djokovic to reach his first Wimbledon final. "This is the second consecutive Grand Slam that we are in the final and playing each other, which is great from my side. I believe it's good for the sport." Sinner's three Grand Slam titles have all come on hard courts, two in Melbourne and one in New York. Alcaraz's major titles have come on all the sport's surfaces, suggesting a more complete game, but Sinner's performance against Ben Shelton in the quarters and Djokovic in the semis, show just how suited his game is to grass. His laser-like ground strokes, powerful serve and his ability to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye were all on show and Alcaraz knows he faces a challenge every bit as tough as Roland Garros on Centre Court on Sunday. The only other time they have met on grass was at Wimbledon in 2022 when Sinner won their last-16 clash in four sets. "I expect that on Sunday, just to be on the limit, to be on the line," the 22-year-old Alcaraz, who is on a 24-match winning streak, said. "I just hope not to be five hours and a half on court again. But if have to, I will." Should Alcaraz prevail he would join Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Djokovic as the only men to win the Wimbledon title three years in a row and he would also surpass Nadal's two Wimbledon crowns. Both players have shown vulnerability during the fortnight. Alcaraz flirted with a shock first-round defeat against Italian Fabio Fognini, needing five sets. Sinner trailed by two sets against Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth-round after hurting his elbow, but was reprieved when the Bulgarian retired hurt. Sinner, the third Italian to reach a Wimbledon singles final after Matteo Berrettini in 2021 and Jasmine Paolini last year, has looked unhindered by his elbow despite wearing a compression sleeve on his right arm in his last two matches. "I think we are handling this small problem at the moment very well," he said. So the stage is set for a fitting end to a sun-filled Wimbledon fortnight and if Sunday's duel is even remotely as compelling as the one in Paris, we are in for a treat. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hans India
28 minutes ago
- Hans India
Alcaraz's never-give-up mindset is the hallmark of a true champion: Sachin Tendulkar
London: Sachin Tendulkar became the most recent Indian icon to be seen watching the intense action that unfolded in the Wimbledon semi-finals at the Centre Court of the All England Tennis Club on Friday. A gripping day unfolded on the Center Court as Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz indulged in a gritty battle which the former won 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (6). Although the first semi-final provided much excitement, World No.1 Jannik Sinner breezed past Novak Djokovic in straight sets to set up yet another final against the Spaniard, a month after the two went toe-to-toe in a grand encounter in the Roland Garros final. Tendulkar revealed his favourite tennis players, his headband inspiration from John McEnroe and why he has huge respect for Carlos Alcaraz. 'I grew up admiring John McEnroe. I remember all my friends supported Bjorn Borg, but for some reason, I always backed McEnroe. I would even wear a headband like him, hoping people would call me McEnroe while I walked around with my friends. In more recent years, though, it has to be Roger Federer. I've enjoyed watching Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, all of them, but somehow, Roger takes the cake. 'Among the current players, Carlos Alcaraz really impresses me - his energy is infectious. I love the spring in his legs, his attitude, and the mental toughness he showed at the French Open. That never-give-up mindset is the hallmark of a true champion. Not all tennis players become champions, but the preparation and rigour they go through - I have huge respect for that,' said Tendulkar to JioHotstar. When asked which Indian cricketer would he choose to partner him in doubles, Tendulkar replied, 'I've played doubles with Yuvraj Singh before. We teamed up against some of our 2003 World Cup teammates, and we ended up becoming champions. So I'd settle for Yuvraj again - no question.' Tendulkar was also present on Day 1 of the Lord's Test between India and England. The former batter rang the bell to commence the day's play and on the same day, his portrait by artist Stuart Pearson Wright was unveiled in the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Museum.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sachin Tendulkar with Benedict Cumberbatch: ‘King of Cricket' meets the ‘Sorcerer Supreme', Wimbledon 2025
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Famous actor Benedict Cumberbatch were spotted enjoying the men's singles semi-finale. Sachin Tendulkar known as the 'Master Blaster' is one of the most revered cricket players in India. With unmatched records and dedication, he inspired millions and remains a global icon of the sport. Known for his deep voice and intense portrayals, Benedict Cumberbatch gained global fame after his roles in Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Strange. On Friday, Sachin Tendulkar shared a memorable photo with actor Benedict Cumberbatch from the Royal Box at Wimbledon 2025. Both the legends were seen in crisp suits and fine forms. Sharing the pictures on Instagram, Sachin wrote, 'Delighted to share the magic of Wimbledon from the Royal Box with fellow tennis enthusiasts – David Lauren, Pat Cash, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Conversations, camaraderie, and a deep love for the game made it unforgettable.' As the pictures dropped, the genuine excited reactions from the fans poured in. One user joked, 'Sachin sir to Dr Strange – please moving me to past so I enjoying cricket again,' With another chiming in, 'Master of New-york sanctum with master of cricket.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo A third added, 'Doctor Strange taking advice on TIMING from GOD of Cricket.' The meeting took place during a gripping day of semifinals at the All England Club. In the first clash, Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz defeated American player Taylor Fritz in four intense sets (6‑4, 5‑7, 6‑3, 7‑6 (6)). With this win, Carlos booked his spot in his third consecutive Wimbledon final, continuing his reign as one of tennis's brightest stars. Later, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner ended Novak Djokovic 's championship dreams in straight sets (6‑3, 6‑3, 6‑4). The match marked the end of Novak's bid for a record 25th Grand Slam, as he struggled to match Jannik's pace and precision. Despite the loss, Novak assured fans he hopes to return in better shape next year. Amid all the tennis gameplay, the sight of Sachin and Benedict together brought an extra spark to Centre Court. During a promotional event, back in 2018, he mentioned this while speaking with Brett Lee, expressing that Tendulkar's "extraordinary" nature would make him a suitable choice. He said, 'Sachin Tendulkar would do quite well in fitting the role as Doctor Strange as he is quite extraordinary.' For fans across sports and cinema, this Wimbledon moment was pure crossover magic.
