Six books about tennis's greatest players
FOR TWO WEEKS every year, tennis fans focus their attention on a leafy suburb in south-west London. The Wimbledon Championships are regarded as the most traditional and prestigious of the four Grand Slam tournaments. (It is the only one to enforce a predominantly all-white dress code, for instance.) Wimbledon is a place where new stars of the game are spotted—as with Roger Federer's victory over Pete Sampras in 2001—and fading ones hope to go out in a blaze of glory. To better understand what it takes to succeed on Centre Court, pick up one of these books about a few of the greatest players ever to pick up a racket.
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Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Wimbledon champion Annabel Croft on downsizing after her husband's sudden death & the truth behind new man rumours
From Centre Court to heartache – Annabel Croft on love, loss, and the lifeline that was Strictly LOVE GAME Ex-Wimbledon champion Annabel Croft on downsizing after her husband's sudden death & the truth behind new man rumours Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Former tennis champ and broadcasting royalty Annabel Croft on downsizing after the loss of her husband, why Strictly was a lifeline, and who to watch at Wimbledon Annabel Croft is in a taxi on her way home after a corporate speaking engagement, fresh from a day of commentating at London's Queen's Club. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Annabel is one of the BBC's top tennis presenters, covering tournaments worldwide – including Wimbledon, which starts tomorrow Credit: Mark Hayman 6 Annabel with her late husband Mel 6 Annabel reflects on her Strictly 2023 training, which began just weeks after losing husband Mel to cancer Credit: BBC It's 8:45pm, yet the former tennis pro is still brimming with energy. Is stamina her superpower? 'It does feel a bit like that,' she laughs. 'But this is peak season for me – and I love it.' As one of the BBC's most respected faces of tennis programming, Annabel covers tournaments around the globe including the Wimbledon Championships, which start tomorrow. And the day before she steps on to Centre Court to host the trophy ceremony for a third year running, Annabel will celebrate her 59th birthday, plus a major milestone in her sporting career. 'I'll be 59 on the penultimate day of Wimbledon, and that marks 50 years since I first picked up a racket at the age of nine,' she says, remembering the first time she gave tennis a go during a family holiday to Spain in 1975. She went on to win junior versions of Wimbledon and the Australian Open and represented Great Britain in the Federation Cup (now the Billie Jean King Cup), becoming one of the world's Top 25 players, before quitting at 21 after growing tired of travelling the world alone. 'I've lived my whole adult life with Mel, and now I'm on my own' Today, 38 years on, Annabel is encountering similar feelings again, two years since losing her husband Mel, 60, to cancer. At the five-bedroom family home that Mel built, she occupies just the kitchen and her bedroom, saying she no longer 'needs very much'. 'It's taken me back to living on my own before Mel came into my life, as that 15-year-old playing at Wimbledon for the first time, travelling the world on planes and across America on Greyhound buses. 'I've gone full circle to that person, because I've had to,' says Annabel, who has spent the past few months sorting and decluttering in readiness to move. I've realised I don't need much any more. I don't want overheads, maintenance, a garden to look after and pay for – anything that is excess to what I need. 'The house has been my life for 25 years. Everything about it is Mel, because he built it. We've had amazing memories here that are impossible to forget, but I'm ready to go,' she says, admitting she is looking forward to 'simplifying' her life. Strictly fans can't believe Annabel Croft's 'real age' as she stuns with cartwheel in tiny 60s minidress' 'What gives me pleasure is going for a morning walk in the park, running with my friends, having a coffee, a meal out and being with my family. "I've realised I don't need much any more. I don't want overheads, maintenance, a garden to look after and pay for – anything that is excess to what I need.' Annabel's journey with America's Cup yachtsman Mel began in 1987, when they met filming BBC yachting series Cudmore's Call, when she was just 21. "The pair went on to have three children, Amber, now 31, Charlie, 29, and Lily, 27. 'I've lived my whole adult life with Mel, and now it's a weird thing to be doing [life] on my own,' she says. 'I just walk into an empty house, so I try to trick my brain into thinking about when Mel was out at a work function and I'd come into the house on my own. Only, every night it is like this. 'Thankfully, I'm busy – that's always been the same and that's helpful.' Annabel remembers the days and nights she devoted to training during the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing soon after losing Mel, who died in May 2023, just 16 weeks after he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Partnered with South African dancer and choreographer Johannes Radebe, 38, the pair reached the semi-finals and the BBC show became a lifeline and welcome distraction. 'I wish I could find some way of replacing Strictly in my life in terms of what that show was to me. "It was so special and joyful,' she says, choosing not to be drawn on recent Strictly controversies, specifically surrounding pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, who quit over bullying claims. Since then, duty-of-care measures have been introduced, including a 24-hour helpline and chaperones in rehearsal rooms. 'I think having a permanent chaperone would have been quite restrictive [when it comes to building] the relationship between you and the dancer,' says Annabel. 'I would have found it quite awkward, but if that's what you know, then that's all you know.' Annabel speaks regularly to Johannes, who she says she 'adores'. But what of the friend she shared a lunch date with in April, sparking speculation of a new romantic connection? 'He's my bank manager and a great friend who was also close to Mel,' sighs Annabel. 'We were looking at photographs of Mel together. Mel adored him and he's been really helpful to me.' 'Sport was my chance to feel like I had something to offer' Family is everything to Annabel – and now, that family is growing. In September, her eldest daughter Amber will welcome her first child. 'It feels like yesterday that I was cradling my baby [Amber] in my arms, feeding her, bathing her and taking her to nursery school. "I can't believe that same baby is now having a baby herself!' says Annabel, who hopes the birth will be before her nationwide speaking tour starts. 6 Annabel made history at 15 when she became the youngest Brit in nearly a century to play in the Wimbledon main draw Credit: Mark Hayman 'I leave on September 24, so I hope the baby isn't late because I want to be supporting with cooking and helping out. Amber was 10 days early, so I'm hoping that her baby will be, too!' Amber married husband Hector last summer and, in August, it's son Charlie's turn to tie the knot. But Annabel will not be imparting marital advice. 'I can't bear hearing people talking about how to make a marriage work,' she says. 'If you have to try and make it work, there's something wrong. "Marriage should just be, and if you're compatible with somebody and enjoy their company, you go on the journey together.' I was very shy and introverted and had no interest in academics. Sport was my chance to feel like I had something to offer. Raised in Kent by her club-level-tennis-playing dad James, a chartered surveyor, and mum Susan, a housewife, Annabel was hooked from the moment she first picked up that racket aged nine. 'I remember gazing out of maths class at the sports pitches, because all I wanted to do was to be out there. "I was very shy and introverted and had no interest in academics. Sport was my chance to feel like I had something to offer,' she says. This summer, with women's sport sitting front and centre of a blockbuster line-up of events, Annabel hopes young girls feel inspired, just as she was watching tennis rivals Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. 'From women's tennis returning to the Queen's Club for the first time in 50 years and players excelling at Wimbledon, to the Lionesses defending their title at the Women's Euros and female cricketers and rugby stars competing at their World Cups, these moments matter. 'Visibility drives engagement. Sport gave me so much, and it can do the same for the next generation of young girls.' Annabel made history at 15 when she became the youngest Brit in nearly a century to play in the Wimbledon main draw. At 18, she reached the third round, facing her idol Chris Evert on Court One – one of her 'most defining' career moments – and won Junior Wimbledon Singles that same year. 'I'll always be part of Wimbledon history and that makes me proud' But, aged 21, she stunned the tennis world by walking away. 'Ever since, people have come up to me and asked: 'Why did you stop so early?'' she says, explaining that she 'fell out of love' with the job. 'I didn't want to live that circus lifestyle any more,' she adds, admitting the decision was unplanned. 'I shudder now, thinking: 'How did I do that with such conviction but without any idea of what I was going to do?' "I didn't have an education or a plan. I was young and naive, and hadn't actually thought beyond that moment.' Fortunately, life after tennis served her well. After five years starring in pantomime, which built her confidence, Annabel found her stride in television, starring in Channel 4's adventure series Network Seven, before replacing Anneka Rice on Treasure Hunt in 1989. Once digital sports channels emerged, Annabel returned to her tennis roots, becoming a tennis presenter and pundit, first for Eurosport, then Sky Sports and the BBC. These days, as a member of the All England Club, she still plays 'two or three times a week'. Occasionally, she gives friends guided tours, ending at the Wimbledon trophy cabinet, where her junior title is enshrined. 'At the time, it didn't mean that much to me, but it does now. I'll always be in that trophy cabinet, which is part of Wimbledon history,' she says. 'That makes me proud.' Does she regret not staying to win the women's title? 'Of course, I would have loved to have won the main trophy, but I made a decision that I didn't want to chase that dream any more. "I regret that I didn't understand what I was doing at the time. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn't it?' Annabel lights up again as we discuss the players to watch at this year's Wimbledon Championships, namely Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, 22, as well as British sensations Jack Draper, 23, and Emma Raducanu, 22 – who was the last Brit standing last month in the new WTA 500 event, the first time women's tennis had been played at the Queen's Club since 1973. Annabel has also got her eye on American player Coco Gauff, 21. 'She's had her ups and downs on her journey in tennis, but I admire her as a character and a player – her attitude, work ethic and how she's battled through challenges,' she says of young French Open winner, Coco. A woman after her own heart. . . Annabel's nationwide 28-date tour starts September 25. For tickets, go to 6 Interviewing Wimbledon champ Carlos Alcaraz Credit: Ella Ling/Shutterstock 6 Family is everything to Annabel – and now, that family is growing. In September, her eldest daughter Amber will welcome her first child Credit: Mark Hayman Editorial Hair: Dino Pereira using Andreia Professional Dino Pereira using Andreia Professional Make-up: Charlie Duffy using Delilah Charlie Duffy using Delilah Styling: Lynne McKenna Annabel wears sports bra, Under Armour at skirt, Wimbledon Shop; necklace, bracelet, both Merci Maman; ring, Sif Jakobs; shoes, dress, John Lewis & Partners; sweatband, Wimbledon Shop; necklace, Lucy Quartermaine; rings, Sif Jakobs; shoes, Next
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Wimbledon release statement with tournament ready to implement new rule
Wimbledon 2025 begins on Monday, June 30, when thousands of tennis fans will descend on SW19 in sweltering temperatures caused by the second heatwave of the summer Wimbledon is likely to see a little-used rule implemented this year, with London experiencing its second heatwave of the summer. Amber weather alerts are in place for much of England and the Met Office is forecasting temperatures to reach 34 or 35 degrees in London on Monday, making it the hottest day of the year so far. The All England Club is more used to dealing with rain at Wimbledon, but is prepared for the sweltering heat. The first two days of the Grand Slam are forecast to be the hottest of the two-week tournament – and records could be broken. The Met Office says the hottest day recorded during the Wimbledon fortnight came on July 1 in 2015, when temperatures soared to 35.7°C at nearby Kew Gardens. That year, a ball boy collapsed in the heat and Bernard Tomic required medical attention after suffering from dizziness. Wimbledon will take precautions this year, with 10-minute breaks set to be used when temperatures are over 30.1°C. "Adverse weather is a key consideration in our planning for The Championships, and we are prepared for the predicted hot weather, with comprehensive plans in place for guests, players, staff and the BBGs," the All England Club said in a statement. Championships referee Denise Parnell explained: 'The heat rule will apply to all singles events at the Qualifying and Main Draw for The Championships 2025. These are the Gentlemen's Singles, Ladies' Singles, Boys' Singles, Girls' Singles, Gentlemen's Wheelchair Singles, Ladies' Wheelchair Singles, and Quad Wheelchair Singles. 'It allows a 10-minute break when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is at or above 30.1 degrees Celsius. It applies to all matches including those which have already started. Only one of the players participating in the match needs to request the break for the rule to be implemented. 'The rule will apply after the second set for all best of three set matches, and after the third for all best of five set matches. Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment. 'The heat index is a measure, which factors together the air temperature, the humidity and the surface temperature and is measured by a heat stress monitor. The WBGT readings are taken 30 minutes prior to the start of play and then at 14.00 and 17.00. 'If there is a change in weather conditions and the rule is lifted, those matches already in progress will be completed with the rule in place. 'The heat rule will not apply to matches played under the roofs. In addition, if a match is carried over to a following day when the heat rule is in place, then it will not apply to any best of three set match that has completed one set, or to any best of five set match that has completed two sets.'
BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
'I completely lost it in Paris - the lesson is learned'
Aryna Sabalenka is the world number one and serial Grand Slam finalist who by her own admission can "lose control" of her emotions when the biggest prizes in tennis are on the therefore presents Sabalenka not only with an opportunity to chase a fourth Grand Slam title, but also the chance to turn a humbling experience into a turning 27-year-old has reached the Australian Open and French Open finals this year but has lost both title matches, and after falling to defeat by Coco Gauff in Paris three weeks ago she spoke in unflattering terms about her conqueror that she later acknowledged had been "completely unprofessional".Her immediate verdict was that Gauff was able to win "not because she played incredible" but because of Sabalenka's own misses from "easy balls".Sabalenka labelled her own performance "just a joke" and said of Gauff: "Honestly, sometimes it felt like she was hitting the ball from the frame. Somehow magically the ball lands in the court, and you are kind of on the back foot."The comments were widely seen as not giving Gauff sufficient credit for the American's second Grand Slam title - and the second to come at Sabalenka's expense, after their 2023 US Open final also went Gauff's way.A statement and a written apology to Gauff followed, and look to have done the trick. If there was ever any tension between the pair, it was not evident in the lead-up to Wimbledon as they performed a TikTok dance together on Centre Court. "I've always been really good with Coco," Sabalenka said."I didn't really want to offend her. I was just completely upset with myself, and emotions got over me. I just completely lost it."I did what I did. I get what I deserve, I believe. It was a tough time for me. The lesson is learned."This time the emotions took over me. In the finals or semi-finals, sometimes I can get over-emotional. I would like to improve that."I would like to stay to the same mentality I have during the tournament, because I believe I get over-emotional at the last stages of the tournaments because I have this desire of winning."Sabalenka is a long way clear of the field in the WTA rankings, but she has lost four of her past six finals. She has not yet won Wimbledon and starts this year against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine."Honestly, I'm kind of glad what happened to me at Paris, because I was able to learn a lot," said Sabalenka. "I was able to sit back and be open to myself, not just to ignore some things. I really hope it will never happen again."She said she would "love to face" Gauff in the Wimbledon final. They are the number one and two seeds so cannot meet until then. Gauff holds a 6-5 advantage in their career head-to-head record."If she's going to be there, I'm happy because I want to get the revenge," Sabalenka added. 'Things happen when blood is running hot - it's not easy to suppress' Switching emotional gears is a major challenge for sporting rivals, particularly when the stakes are Djokovic has become expert in handling the biggest occasions, and even in defeat he usually finds the right it was not something that necessarily came easily to the 24-time Grand Slam therefore understands how difficult it might be for Sabalenka to find composure when the adrenaline has been pumping."We are all human beings that have difficult emotions that they have to handle right after they lost a big match," Djokovic said."Grand Slam finals, for example, as she did against Coco. Things happen when you're so heightened with emotions, your blood is running hot."It's not always easy to suppress that and put diplomacy ahead, even though I feel like it's important to pay respect and acknowledge the success of your opponent that just beat you."Sabalenka tapped up Djokovic for pre-tournament support after a practice session."It's amazing to hear opinions of such a legend," Sabalenka said. "We were just chatting about stuff that I'm struggling with a little bit. I'm really thankful for the advice he gave me."
