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The Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
From hunky Jack Draper to Emma Raducanu – the who-to-watch guide for Brit Wimbledon hotshots hoping to win big at SW19
TENNIS fans will hope Jack is nimble – and quick – as our latest Wimbledon hope takes to the court. World No4 Jack Draper, 23, whose looks have won him a Burberry modelling deal, has a serious shot at the title. On the ladies' side, former US Open champ Emma Raducanu, 22, hopes to go deep after a recent return to form. There are 23 Brits in the singles – 13 men and ten women – which is the most since 1984. Mike Ridley serves up a selection of them before the action starts at SW19 on Monday. Hannah Klugman, 16 - GB No17, world No577 STAR-in-the-making Hannah will feel right at home – as her family live in Wimbledon village in South West London, not far from the All England club. The youngest of four sisters, she excelled at all sports and only plumped for tennis after the Covid pandemic. 17 At 14, Hannah gave up going to school and did her GCSE studies online. Earlier this month, that decision already looked to have been a good one as she became a junior Grand Slam runner-up at the French Open. She was the first Briton to make the final in Paris since Michele Tyler in 1976 and experts are now marking her out for big things – and she already has experience of a grand stage. Sun tennis writer Rob Maul says: 'There are three British female teens in the draw [also Mika Stojsavljevic, 16, and Mimi Xu, 17]. She is already impressive, and she is part of the future for Wimbledon.' British world No719 qualifies for Wimbledon but is BANNED from claiming £66,000 prize money Katie Boulter, 28 - GB No2, world No41 LEICESTER CITY fan Katie Boulter has never got as far as the second week of a grand slam tournament – despite being Britain's No2. On her day, statuesque Katie can upset the form book but experts reckon she is perhaps a little too inconsistent to be among the game's elite. 17 She is engaged to Aussie world No11 Alex de Minaur after dating him for about three years. The couple have date nights during tournaments, which they post about on social media. Alex, 26, was born in Sydney then trained for years in Spain. But while Alex was unsure whether to play for Spain or Australia at the Olympics, before choosing the former, Katie was famously pictured in 2018 cheering on England's World Cup footballers. Katie, who has suffered many injuries over the years, including a stress fracture of the back, is very close to her grandparents who live in the East Midlands where she grew up. She also appreciates going out with a man who understands the pressures of the game. Emma Raducanu, 22 - GB No1, world No38 ONE of the most scrutinized female athletes in world sport and one of the most famous. As Britain's No1, the whole country will be rooting for her during the championships. 17 And amid rumour of a romance with Spanish world No2 Carlos Alcaraz – who at 22 has won five grand slams including two Wimbledons – he will surely be keeping an eye on her matches. Will former US Open winner Emma rediscover that old magic, on the back of promising recent results? Or will she be affected by news that the stalker who reduced her to tears in Dubai in February tried to get tickets for this year's Wimbledon, only to be red-flagged and denied. She will be grateful organisers had beefed up security but all eyes will be on her game. If she can overcome those worries and avoid injury, Emma could go a long way. Whatever happens, there will be plenty of drama. Jodie Burrage, 26 - GB No7, world No164 SHE missed Wimbledon last year through injury, so hopes her luck will change. But judging by a bizarre event that happened at the pre-Wimbledon tournament in Eastbourne this week, she might wonder. 17 17 BBC commentator Annabel Croft could not believe her eyes when Jodie's opponent in the last 16, reigning Wimbledon ladies champ Barbora Krejcikova, fired a shot through a hole in the net. Krejcikova generously conceded the point but the Czech ace went on to win the match. Surrey smasher Jodie is dating Scots rugby international Ben White, who plays scrum half for French club Toulon. At last month's French Open, Jodie said uncertainty over whether Ben, 27, would be picked for the British Lions squad to tour Australia this summer was affecting her form on the court. In the end, Ben was not selected – so expect to see him at Wimbledon cheering on Jodie. Jack Draper, 23 - GB No1, world No4 ONE of the most eligible men in tennis, young free and single Jack is a Burberry model with an equally fine-looking tennis game. Now at a career-high world No4, he is hotly tipped to win Wimbledon, if not this year then soon. 17 17 He would be the first English champ since Fred Perry in 1936 – and looks the heir apparent to Scots sensation Sir Andy Murray, who twice claimed the spoils at SW19 before retiring. After winning the Indian Wells tournament in California earlier this year, and making the semi-finals of the US Open in 2024, big-serving leftie Jack is the real deal at just 23. The Man United fan, who grew up in Ashtead, Surrey, and started out at Sutton Tennis and Squash Club, also stands out for his chiselled looks. He set hearts fluttering when pictured recently jumping topless from a boat with model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in an ad for Burberry swimwear. But he has no love match at the moment and is just pals with Rosie, and her Hollywood star other half Jason Statham. He says: 'I'm always on the road, always playing, always training. It's tough to sustain any relationship.' Having banked nearly £6million in prize money, and plenty more from endorsements and modelling work, he is dream boyfriend material for whoever should get so lucky. But for now, his No1 fan at Wimbledon will be mum Nicky, a former junior tennis starlet. His dad Roger, meanwhile, is an ex-boss of the Lawn Tennis Association, the sport's UK governing body, so was tasked with finding the country's next Wimbledon champ. Sun tennis correspondent Rob Maul says: 'Remarkably, he didn't have to look far!' Henry Searle, 19 - GB No119, world No409 THE teen wildcard from Wolverhampton may have a lowly world ranking – but he already has some serious form on the lawns of Wimbledon. It is only two years ago that 6ft 4in Henry became the first Brit to win the boys title, since football legend Stanley Matthews' son. 17 Since Stanley Matthews Jnr picked up the trophy in 1962, it has been won by a host of kids who went on to become tennis greats including Bjorn Borg and Ivan Lendl. The left-hander is the son of cricketer Harvey Trump, an off-spin bowler who played for Somerset between 1988 and 1997, and his first wife Emma. Henry has a huge following of fans and friends who join him at matches, wear identical T-shirts and making a lot of noise supporting his every shot. Sun man courtside Rob Maul says: 'Henry is quite a shy lad who doesn't say a lot but he has what it takes to be a real star of the future.' Jacob Fearnley, 23 - GB No2, world No51 HOTSHOT Jacob is drawing comparisons with a famous fellow Scot, two-time Wimbledon champ Sir Andy Murray, and recent results show the new pretender may just fit the bill. He has had a meteoric rise to No51 in the world rankings, from a lowly 664 at the start of the year, and it seems the only way is up. 17 17 The powerfully built big-hitter was born and brought up in Edinburgh where mum Sam, who worked for the NHS, taught him to play tennis from the age of three. But Jacob looks like an American – wears his baseball cap backward and speaks with slight Texan drawl. That's because he came through the US college ranks rather than a tennis academy. He spent five years at the Texas Christian University where fellow Brit Cameron Norrie also built his game, and it is where he met his stunning US girlfriend, beach volleyball star Keagan Polk. At the Australian Open earlier this year, she cheered him on to a win against Aussie bad boy Nick Kyrgios in the first round. She was also in Jacob's box at Wimbledon last year when he took a set off the greatest player of all time, Serb superstar Novak Djokovic. But he has his work cut out in his first match at Wimbledon – up against much-hyped Brazilian teen Joao Fonseca. Dan Evans, 35 - GB No5, world No170 LIKE seven-time Wimbledon champ Novak Djokovic, who comes into this year's tournament aged 38 and world-ranked six, our Dan is in the twilight of his career. Aged 35, he may not have too many more SW19 appearances in him, so catch him now. 17 17 The former Brit No1 has slipped to world No170 from a high of 21 just two years ago and only got into this year's draw with a wildcard – but a recent run of form suggests a thrilling last hurrah could just be possible. One of the most working-class players on the circuit, Brummie electrician's son Dan spent a year off the tour after testing positive for cocaine in 2017 but stormed back with a vengeance and is a reformed man. He did Team GB proud last year at the Paris Olympics as he made the doubles quarter-finals with Sir Andy Murray – in the former world No1's emotional farewell to the game. Dan is now is giving his all to his time left on court and delighting fans with his mischievous game of crafty spins. Based in Dubai nowadays, he will be cheered at Wimbledon by wife Aleah as he starts against fellow Brit Jay Clarke, 26, who is GB No7 and world No199. Dan and Aleah plan to have kids once he hangs up his racquet – and he has banked more than £6million in prize money alone so will have plenty of cash for family holidays. The single-handicap golfer will also have time for honing his swing, and following his beloved Aston Villa. OTHER HOME ACES TO SEE FROM talented teens to a most unlikely 11th-hour men's qualifier, here are some other British players to watch . . . 17 TIPPED for big things, Welsh wildcard Mingge 'Mimi' Xu is only 17 and already British No10. Born to Chinese parents who met at Swansea University, she is world No318 and has a big ask in round one . . . against Emma Raducanu. 17 HE is the world's 719th best player and No33 in Britain – but Oliver Tarvet, from St Albans, battled through qualifying this week into the main draw. If he wins his first match, against a fellow qualifier, Oliver, 21, could face reigning champ Carlos Alcaraz. WILDCARD Mika Stojsavljevic, 16, is a big server with a style like her childhood idol Maria Sharapova. Born in West London to a Serb dad and Polish mum, the 6ft belter made headlines in junior circles by winning last year's US Open girls' title.
India Today
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff dance-off French Open feud ahead of Wimbledon
Just weeks after their tense showdown in the French Open final, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff appear to have hit the reset button — not with a handshake, but with a TikTok duo, currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world respectively, were seen outside Centre Court at Wimbledon recording a lighthearted TikTok video ahead of the 2025 Championships. In the video, posted by Gauff — who is a regular on the platform — the pair lip-synced to a trending audio clip saying, 'OK, guys, we're back. Did you miss us? 'Cause we missed you.'advertisementTheir playful off-court moment suggests that the friction from Roland Garros may have eased. The pair also practiced together on Centre Court, further hinting that any lingering tensions had been put to rest ahead of the year's third Grand Slam, which begins Monday at the All England the video:Pretty iconic #Wimbledon | @SabalenkaA | @CocoGauff Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2025 The two were last seen facing off in the French Open final on June 7. Sabalenka had taken the first set in a tight tie-break but eventually lost 7-6, 2-6, 4-6 to Gauff, who claimed her maiden Grand Slam title on the aftermath of the match took a turn when Sabalenka, visibly emotional, stated that she felt the loss had more to do with her own unforced errors than Gauff's performance. Her comments sparked backlash online, with many fans calling them dismissive of Gauff's the criticism, Sabalenka later clarified her comments and acknowledged that her emotions had gotten the better of her after a tough defeat — her second Grand Slam final loss of the year. She also addressed the reaction on social media, noting that she had not intended to downplay Gauff's Wimbledon video, however, has quickly gone viral, offering a lighter image of two of the sport's biggest stars who appear to be moving forward — not just professionally, but personally as well. For fans, it's a welcome sight: two elite athletes capable of fierce rivalry on court and camaraderie off the draw full of anticipation and both players likely to contend deep into the tournament, their renewed connection will be one of many subplots to watch as Wimbledon 2025 unfolds.- Ends
South Wales Argus
3 hours ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Cameron Norrie takes 'ace' train to Wimbledon training
It comes as today's draw means that the British number three will play Roberto Bautista Agut on Monday 30th June for his first match of the Championship. Seasoned campaigner Norrie, 29, has endured a difficult couple of years and before the French Open, had progressed past the third round of a Grand Slam on just a solitary occasion since reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals back in 2022. But he showed signs of his old best in Paris by lowering the colours of Daniil Medvedev, the world No.11 and 2021 US Open champion, in a battle of the baseliners to reach the last-16 and send him towards SW19 with a renewed streak of confidence. Surprised onlookers saw Norrie boarding the train at London Waterloo, where he was sporting his tennis whites and carrying his bag to training. On board, he was spotted reviewing the Wimbledon draw, announced earlier today, on his phone. As he arrived at Wimbledon station, he took selfies with excited fans. Norrie took 'The Ace', an SWR Arterio train named after the Wimbledon Championships, and one of the five Arterios named in celebration of the many sporting locations along the SWR network. Tens of thousands of excited tennis fans are set to take SWR services to the 2025 Championships at Wimbledon, as the All England Club opens its doors to the tennis world once again.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Iga Swiatek and Alex Eala achieve firsts on the grass as Wimbledon comes into view
'I didn't expect to win this match' isn't a phrase that comes out of a five-time Grand Slam champion's mouth very often. But after Iga Świątek cruised past Jasmine Paolini 6-1, 6-3 to reach the first WTA Tour grass-court final of her career, it was the first thing on her mind. Perhaps Paolini being a Wimbledon finalist last year was a factor. Perhaps Świątek never going beyond the quarterfinals in south-west London was too. But for 16 games Friday in Bad Homburg, it was the Pole who looked like the master of the grass. She's looked that way for most of the tournament in Germany, using her serve like she hasn't done for a while to get out of adversity against the powerful players that have troubled her in the past. Advertisement Against Paolini, however, Świątek was dominant. Her confidence on her forehand oozed out into heavy, sharply angled balls that kept Paolini pinned behind the baseline, stopping her from coming into the net, where she has the edge on Świątek. She leapt on Paolini's serve at every opportunity, zipping return winners past her opponent — something she has been more familiar with happening to her in recent times. Świątek broke Paolini five times and had break points for a sixth, ultimately easing into her first final since last year's French Open, in which she will face world No. 3 Jessica Pegula. It caps a strange 12 months for Świątek, in which she has had her less-than-perfect results scrutinized at her best events over and above her improvements across the calendar. She is No. 3 in the WTA Tour rankings race, just a few hundred points behind No. 2 Coco Gauff, and made the semifinals at both the Australian and French Opens. She was a point from the final in Melbourne and she has made the semifinals of five other tournaments, including in Bad Homburg. But she has become synonymous with era-defining excellence on clay, and so her dips from that excellence, which have included at times heavy defeats, have taken greater space than her successes. The same cannot be said for Alexandra Eala, who so memorably beat Świątek at the Miami Open in March. On the same day as Świątek's success, Eala, 20, became the first Filipino to reach a WTA Tour final, beating Varvara Gracheva 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 at Eastbourne in the UK. It's the latest in a succession of firsts for Eala and Filipino tennis, and it is not one of her biggest wins: in Miami, she beat Madison Keys and Jelena Ostapenko, two more Grand Slam champions, as well as Świątek. But Eala's use of angle, a devastatingly powerful and disguised down-the-line forehand, and an improved serve — which has looked attackable throughout her rise inside the WTA top 100 — could foretell more success on the grass, a surface which appears to suit her game. Her mastery of the wind on the south coast of the UK, which buffeted across the courts and tested players' limits, also showed off her ability to adapt the length of her swing and to redirect an incoming ball rather than swinging out on every shot. Advertisement At Wimbledon, she will achieve another first. Eala will play defending champion Barbora Krejčíková on Centre Court, and with Krejčíková having withdrawn from Eastbourne with a thigh injury, the ingredients are there for another announcement of her ability to the tennis world. First, Eala will go in search of her first WTA Tour title, with a final against Maya Joint Saturday, the same day that Świątek and Pegula will play. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Tennis, Women's Tennis 2025 The Athletic Media Company
Leader Live
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Jack Draper faces added pressure as home favourite at Wimbledon
The 23-year-old will be seeded fourth when play begins next week as he looks to build on victory at Indian Wells in March, his first ATP Masters 1000 title, as well as his first Grand Slam semi-final at last year's US Open. Draper was drawn to face Argentine Sebastian Baez in the first round and faces a potentially tough route through the tournament which could see him go up against each of Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. But though the world's top two Alcaraz and Sinner have split the past six Grand Slams between them, Draper has already tasted victory over both. 'I do think Jack Draper is capable of winning Grand Slam titles,' said Balding, who was speaking at an event in London to mark one year of Barclays' Free Park Tennis scheme, which provides facilities and coaching with the aim of removing barriers between children and grassroots sport. 'But I think it's harder for a British player to win Wimbledon than any of the other Grand Slams because of the added pressure of it being your home tournament. 'The attention and the distraction of all the media you have to do. For all the benefits of the support of the crowd you've also got that added element of how much you want it. A morning at the Draw 🧮#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2025 'It's why Andy Murray's even more remarkable. Dealing with that desire and how it affects your brain and how your brain then affects your body, it's a big psychological challenge.' Balding points to Murray's career as an indicator of why initiatives like Free Park Tennis are key in widening the pool of potential tennis stars. Traditionally, lack of access to facilities and equipment due to costs have acted as a barrier within some communities and demographics. The hope is that by opening up those facilities and putting them within easy reach, those barriers will fall away. Since its inception last year the initiative has engaged 35,000 children by offering free coaching and equipment on around a hundred courts nationwide. '(Murray's) is not a story of coming from a privileged background,' said Balding. 'It's a story of access, because his mum was a tennis coach, so there's the key. 'Andy and Jamie Murray would have played another sport. If their parents had been involved in a golf club they'd have taken up golf. They had access (to tennis) but through a very specific route. 'There are going to be over a hundred courts open, available and free to use. Thousands of kids have already done it and I hope more and more will. 'We know all the research into kids being outside, kids being fitter, healthier, all of those things. But I think the key with tennis is the focus that's required, the real concentration. That's a huge benefit to children.'
