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Metro
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Tim Henman names best tennis player in history as debate breaks out at Wimbledon
Tim Henman has given his verdict on the best tennis player in history after the age-old debate resurfaced at Wimbledon. For years fans and pundits have debated the greatest male tennis player in the Open Era, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic the top three contenders. Federer's sensational career produced 20 Grand Slam titles – eight of which were won here at Wimbledon, a record at the All England Club. Nadal retired last year with 22 Grand Slam titles to his name and having established himself as the undisputed King of Clay with a staggering 14 French Open wins. Djokovic is the only of the trio still playing and is hoping to win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title before hanging up his racket. The 38-year-old, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, survived a scare to beat France's Alexandre Muller in the opening round of this year's Championships. Djokovic called for a medical timeout shortly after Muller levelled the match at one set apiece but emerged stronger from the pause in play to win in four sets. During the match on Centre Court, BBC commentator Andrew Castle raised the 'GOAT' debate as a subject of conversation and asked Henman for his thoughts on a discussion that continues to divide fans. 'When the topic of the greatest player of all time comes up, I think it does become a numbers game,' said former British number one Henman, who played all three of the tennis greats during his career. 'Certainly on the men's side of the equation, Novak Djokovic with 24 Grand Slams and so many other records like the most weeks at No. 1. There's many, many more records for Novak too. Rafael Nadal previously hailed Novak Djokovic as the greatest player of all time but named Roger Federer as his 'biggest rival'. In an interview with AS, Nadal said: 'He [Djokovic] is a player who has managed to maintain a very high level and improve every year. 'The numbers show he's the best, which means his tennis has also been the best. 'And he's been the most injury-free, which allowed him to maintain his physical, mental, and tennis levels longer than anyone. That's why he's the best, and he's earned it. 'I've played Djokovic more than anyone else, but for me, my biggest rival was Federer. When I came onto the circuit, Federer was already there, and he was the first. 'In the prime years of my career, it was Roger and Novak. But in those early years, which are so impactful, it was always Roger. 'I think, and I don't know why, that my rivalries with both of them were more intense than the one they had with each other. I'm not sure why, but I feel like the world sees it that way too. 'Maybe with Roger, it was because our styles and approaches to the sport were so contrasting. And with Novak, it was an incredible challenge.' 'I think it's tough to argue that anyone has surpassed his achievement's in the men's game.' Djokovic is attempting to win a 25th Grand Slam at the age of 38 and in the face of fierce competition from two-time defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner. Asked if he believes Djokovic is capable of rivalling Alcaraz and Sinner for Grand Slam titles at this stage of his career, Henman added: 'On a grass court, yes. 'On a clay court, over five hours, he's probably not going to beat Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner at this stage of his career. 'But given his knowledge and know-how of grass-court tennis, yes. It's less physical as well. He's won seven times here. 'I think this is a very good opportunity for Djokovic to add to his Grand Slam tally.' Responding to Henman's comments on Djokovic, Castle said: 'Enjoy him while he's still here. 'He's 38 – only [Gael] Monfils is older in the draw. This realistically could be his last real shot at winning a Grand Slam championship.' Djokovic produced some brilliant tennis in his first-round Wimbledon win but concerned his fans by taking a medical timeout. Former British tennis star Annabel Croft described Djokovic as being 'unsteady on his feet' and the Serbian later said he was struggling with stomach pain. Croft, conducting an on-court interview, also asked Djokovic if he believed he could win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. More Trending 'I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I had a chance to be honest,' a defiant Djokovic said. 'I think I always have a chance and I've earned my right to really feel like I can go all the way to the title. 'It's just the beginning of the tournament, there are many fantastic players in the draw, but I look forward to it.' Djokovic will face Great Britain's Dan Evans in the second round at Wimbledon. Sir Andy Murray's former doubles partner Evans beat fellow Brit Jay Clarke in straight sets in round one. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Wimbledon 2025 TV channel coverage: Where to watch, BBC start times and schedule MORE: 'I feel empty and alone' – World number three 'needs therapy' after Wimbledon exit MORE: Jack Draper speaks out on nightmare Wimbledon draw as three massive names await


Scottish Sun
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal debate solved with half grass, half clay match showing which Wimbledon legend was better
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. The exhibition almost didn't happen after an infestation of worms SPLIT DECISION Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal debate solved with half grass, half clay match showing which Wimbledon legend was better Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT was a question that defined a tennis generation - who is better, Roger or Rafa? Way back in 2007, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal went to extreme lengths to find out. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Roger Federer (left) and Spain's Rafael Nadal went head-to-head in a bizarre match in 2007 Credit: Reuters 4 The pair played an exhibition game on a clay-grass court to discover who was best Credit: AP:Associated Press 4 But issues with the turf almost saw the match in Mallorca cancelled Credit: AFP The pair engaged in a bizarre experiment, pitting themselves against each other on a half-grass, half-clay court. Federer, then 26, entered the contest after winning five consecutive Wimbledon titles. He was undefeated on a grass court in FIVE years and had also won seven other Slams at the US and Australian Opens. Nadal was at that time the new kid on the block - but already the undoubted King of Clay. READ MORE ON TENNIS SMASHING TEAM BBC confirm Wimbledon broadcast team with no place for Nick Kyrgios The Spaniard hadn't lost a match on the surface in two years as the pair agreed to a mad-cap exhibition on two surfaces. Argentine Pablo del Campo was the man to come up with the concept. He had been inspired by baseball, where dirt and turf mix seamlessly into the game. Del Campo told the BBC's Sporting Witness podcast: "When the outfield meets the infield, the grass meets the dirt. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "Seeing that from above, I saw a hybrid tennis court. He added: "I think that the idea was irresistible for both Federer and Nadal." Rafael Nadal receives 'unforgettable' tribute at Roland Garros as 2025 French Open begins A venue was decided at the Palma Arena on Nadal's home island of Mallorca. Construction of the court took 19 days, with organisers racking up a total cost north of £1.3m. They also had to battle a worm infestation on the grass side of the court, resulting in it being relaid with turf from a GOLF green. Del Campo added: "We understood that was a mess, a big mess. "It was very, very stressful." The match was played over three sets infront of a sellout 7,000 crowd - and didn't disappoint. Wimbledon Ticket Options There are a range of ways to get into Wimbledon as one of the only major sporting events in the world that offer sought-after tickets on the day of the event... The Queue As one of the only major sporting events that allows guests to purchase tickets on the day of the event, demand is high. Each day a large queue forms of people wanting either a Grounds or Show Court ticket - with many even arriving the night before and camping to guarantee a place. Upon arrival, visitors are issued a Queue Card, which is numbered and dated and should be kept until a ticket has been purchased. While there is a limited number of entries, it is possible to remain in the queue and wait for people already inside to leave, with those tickets then becoming available. It is also possible to check the status of the queue on the Wimbledon website. This year, organisers are asking potential queuers to download the Wimbledon app and create a myWimbledon account. Show Tickets If you get to the front of the queue, then there are a limited number of tickets available for purchase for Centre Court and Courts 1, 2 and 3. Note that Centre Court tickets are available for the first 10 days of the tournament, the final four days were already pre-sold. Prices vary depending on the Court, seat and day of the event and will increase the further into the tournament you visit. For example, Centre Court rows A-T cost £105 on Day 1 and £315 on Day 14 (men's final). Grounds Pass A Grounds Pass costs £30 and allows visitors to watch matches on Courts 3-18 on unreserved seats, though there will also be a queue to get into Court 3. Ticket Resale From 3pm each day, tickets may become available from people who have left Wimbledon and made their seat available. A Grounds Pass is needed to join the virtual queue on the Wimbledon App. Tickets cost £15 for Centre Court or £10 for Courts 1/2. Hospitality There are a range of hospitality packages still available on the Wimbledon website. Hospitality packages offer guaranteed premium seating to major matches as well as fine dining experiences, complimentary drinks, a shuttle and concierge service. Hospitality packages can also be purchased via Seat Unique. Secondary Markets Sites such as StubHub offer tickets for the main courts for specific days and times. *Please note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value.* Nadal broke Federer's serve on both grass and clay to take the first set. But the Swiss superstar - a winner of 20 career Grand Slams - broke back to force a decider. Nadal would eventually take the third and deciding set following an epic 12-10 tie break. The Spanish superstar - who retired earlier last October with 14 French Open clay titles - admitted he thought the idea could be a "disaster". He said following the match: "It has been a nice experience. "Although before the match I thought it would be a disaster because I felt it would be very difficult for me to adapt to the court. "I have had a good time and that is important. "Both of us would like to repeat this experience because, although the match was not a real one, it allowed us to play for points without much tension and to play more relaxed." 4 Despite never playing again on the bizarre surface, it would be Nadal who would triumph in the pair's head-to-head battles. The pair met 40 times over the years, with Nadal winning 26, and Federer 14. Federer added: "I found the court to be excellent, especially the clay part. "The challenge was difficult, because you have many things in your head. "You have problems to work out about how you are going to play on either side of the court. "On the grass, I felt at the start that I was moving very well, although it took me a while longer to adapt to the clay."


Al Etihad
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Tennis: Prince of Clay Alcaraz battles back from the brink to retain French Open crown
9 June 2025 17:26 PARIS (REUTERS)Carlos Alcaraz battled from the brink of a first Grand Slam final loss to outlast Jannik Sinner in a French Open title clash for the ages on Sunday and keep his crown, cementing his status as the Prince of Clay in Roland Garros' post-Rafa Nadal a scintillating showdown between the torch-bearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old saved three match points in the fourth set to win 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) and continue his dominance over Sinner with his fifth straight victory and end the Italian's 20-match winning run at the showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes - the longest final at Roland Garros - and soaked up the roaring ovation from a thoroughly entertained Parisian crowd long used to 14-times champion Nadal's reign."I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament," Alcaraz told Sinner after collecting the Musketeers' Cup."I'm sure you're going to be champion not once, but many times. It's a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament, making history with you."Victory made him only the second man since tennis turned professional in 1968 to win all of his first five Grand Slam singles finals after Swiss great Roger Federer but Alcaraz was more enthralled with an achievement he shared with fellow Spaniard and 22-times major champion Nadal."The coincidence of winning my fifth Grand Slam at the same age as Nadal, that'sdestiny," Alcaraz told reporters."It's a stat I'm going to keep forever ... It's a huge honour. Hopefully it's not going to stop like this."Alcaraz and Sinner, who have lifted seven out of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority in the men's game, were locked in a fierce battle full of dramatic momentum shifts in the first major final between two men born in the five-hour-plus fiesta was the second-longest Grand Slam final in the Open Era and marked only the third time since 1968 that a player saved a match point en route to victory in a Grand Slam matched Argentine Gaston Gaudio's 2004 French Open feat and Serbian Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon comeback in his first Grand Slam after serving a three-month ban after a doping case, top seed Sinner held serve in a tense five-deuce opening game lasting 12 the 23-year-old was broken in the fifth game when he fired a forehand wide, before hitting back from 2-3 and going on to snatch an intense opening set following an unforced error by pressure from the baseline allowed Sinner to go a break up early in the second set and the top seed began to apply the squeeze on Alcaraz, who was on the ropes trailing 1-4 on a sunbathed Court Philippe aggressive Alcaraz came out fighting and drew loud cheers when he drew level after 10 games and then forced a tiebreak but Sinner edged ahead with a blistering forehand winner and doubled his lead after the clock ticked past two who had never come back from two sets down before, battled hard in the hope of avoiding heartbreak in a major final and pulled a set back before saving three match points at 3-5 down in the fourth, later restoring parity following the traded breaks in a high-quality decider but prevailed in the super tiebreak to become the third man to capture back-to-back Roland Garros titles this century after Nadal and Gustavo was left to digest how he let slip a golden chance to win claycourt's blue riband event following hardcourt triumphs at the U.S. Open and Australian Open. Alcaraz fell to the red dirt before Sinner went over to his side of the court to congratulate him and the Spaniard then ran to the heaving stands to hug his team and celebrate. "CARLOS II, PRINCE OF CLAY," the French Open posted on had a contemplative look, sitting on his bench as his rival rejoiced, and was gracious in defeat when he congratulated him during the trophy ceremony."We tried our best today, we gave everything ... an amazing tournament even though it's very difficult now," Sinner said. "It's a big privilege for me to play here ... I won't sleep very well tonight but it's okay."


Daily Maverick
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Alcaraz saves three match points to stop Sinner and retain French Open crown
The 22-year-old showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes — the longest final at Roland Garros. Carlos Alcaraz battled from the brink to outlast top seed Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) in a French Open final for the ages on Sunday to retain his crown and cement his status as the Prince of Clay in Roland-Garros' post-Rafa Nadal era. In a scintillating showdown between the torchbearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old Alcaraz saved three match points in the fourth set to continue his dominance over Sinner with his fifth straight victory over the Italian. 'I want to start with Jannik. It is amazing the level you have,' said Alcaraz, only the second man in the professional era to win all of his first five Grand Slam singles finals after Roger Federer. 'Congratulations for an amazing two weeks. I'm pretty sure you're going to be champion not once, but many times. It's a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament, making history with you. 'I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament and in other tournaments.' The duo, who have captured seven out of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority on the men's tour, were locked in a fierce battle full of dramatic momentum shifts in the first major final between two men born in the 2000s. Alcaraz showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes — the longest final at Roland Garros — soaking up the ovation from a thoroughly entertained Parisian crowd long used to Nadal's reign during his run of 14 titles. Tense start Sinner held serve in a tense five-deuce opening game lasting 12 minutes, but was broken when he fired a forehand wide, before hitting back from 2-3 and going on to snatch an intense first set following an unforced error by Alcaraz. Relentless pressure from the baseline allowed Sinner to go a break up early in the second set, and the top seed began to apply the squeeze on Alcaraz, who was on the ropes, trailing 1-4 on a sunbathed Court Philippe Chatrier. An aggressive Alcaraz came out fighting and drew loud cheers when he drew level after 10 games and then forced a tiebreak, but Sinner edged ahead with a blistering forehand winner and doubled his lead after the clock ticked past two hours. Alcaraz, who had never come back from two sets down, battled hard in the hope of avoiding his first loss in a major final and pulled a set back before saving three match points at 3-5 down in the fourth set, later restoring parity via the tiebreak. He traded breaks in the decider but prevailed in the super tiebreak to win the longest Paris men's final since tennis went professional in 1968, while Sinner had to digest a missed chance to add to his US and Australian Open wins after a doping case. Alcaraz fell to the ground before Sinner went over to his side of the court to congratulate him, and the Spaniard then ran to the stands to hug his team and celebrate. Sinner had a contemplative look, sitting on his bench, and was gracious in defeat. 'Carlos, congratulations on an amazing performance and an amazing battle. I'm happy for you. You deserve it,' he said. 'We tried our best today, we gave everything … an amazing tournament, even though it is very difficult right now. It is a big privilege for me to play here… I won't sleep very well tonight, but it is okay.' Five Slams Alcaraz has now won his five Grand Slam finals and handed Sinner his first defeat in a major final after the Italian claimed his first three at the Australian Open (2024 and 2025) and US Open (2024). Alcaraz thanked the crowd for their support, which he said helped him throughout the tournament. 'Then, Paris, guys, I mean, you have been a really important support to me since the first practice, since the first round,' he said. 'You were unbelievable. You were insane for me. I mean, I just can't, can't thank enough, you know, to you for the great support during the whole week, for today's match. 'For today's match, you were really, really important. You are in my heart, and you'll always be in my heart. So, thank you. Thank you very much, Paris. And see you next year.' Sinner was gracious in defeat. 'First of all, Carlos, congrats. An amazing performance, amazing battle, amazing job. I am very happy for you, you deserve it. It's easier to play than talking now,' said the 23-year-old Sinner, who was on a 20-match winning streak in the majors. The two finalists, who have won seven of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority on the tour, were locked in a fierce battle that mesmerised the 15,000 crowd. 'To my team, thank you so much for putting me in this position. We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. Some time ago, we would've signed to be here. Still an amazing tournament, even though it's very, very difficult right now,' said Sinner. DM

Straits Times
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Alcaraz saves three match points to stop Sinner and retain French Open crown
PARIS - Carlos Alcaraz battled from the brink to outlast top seed Jannik Sinner 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) in a French Open final for the ages on Sunday to retain his crown and cement his status as the Prince of Clay in Roland Garros' post-Rafa Nadal era. In a scintillating showdown between the torch-bearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old Alcaraz saved three match points in the fourth set to continue his dominance over Sinner with his fifth straight victory and end the Italian's 20-match winning run at the majors. "I want to start with Jannik. It is amazing the level you have," said Alcaraz, only the second man in the professional era to win all of his first five Grand Slam singles finals after Roger Federer. "Congratulations for an amazing two weeks ... I'm pretty sure you're going to be champion not once, but many times. It's a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament, making history with you. "I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament and in other tournaments." The duo, who have captured seven out of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority on the men's tour, were locked in a fierce battle full of dramatic momentum shifts in the first major final between two men born in the 2000s. Alcaraz showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes - the longest final at Roland Garros - soaking up the ovation from a thoroughly entertained Parisian crowd long used to Nadal's reign during his run of 14 titles. Sinner held serve in a tense five-deuce opening game lasting 12 minutes, but was broken when he fired a forehand wide, before hitting back from 2-3 and going on to snatch an intense first set following an unforced error by Alcaraz. Relentless pressure from the baseline allowed Sinner to go a break up early in the second set and the top seed began to apply the squeeze on Alcaraz, who was on the ropes trailing 1-4 on a sunbathed Court Philippe Chatrier. An aggressive Alcaraz came out fighting and drew loud cheers when he drew level after 10 games and then forced a tiebreak but Sinner edged ahead with a blistering forehand winner and doubled his lead after the clock ticked past two hours. Alcaraz, who had never come back from two sets down, battled hard in the hope of avoiding his first loss in a major final and pulled a set back before saving three match points at 3-5 down in the fourth set, later restoring parity via the tiebreak. He traded breaks in the decider but prevailed in the super tiebreak to win the longest Paris men's final since tennis went professional in 1968 while Sinner had to digest a missed chance to add to his U.S. and Australian Open wins after a doping case. Alcaraz fell to the ground before Sinner went over to his side of the court to congratulate him and the Spaniard then ran to the stands to hug his team and celebrate. Sinner had a contemplative look, sitting on his bench, and was gracious in defeat. "Carlos, congratulations on an amazing performance and an amazing battle. I'm happy for you. You deserve it," he said. "We tried our best today, we gave everything ... an amazing tournament even though it is very difficult right now. It is a big privilege for me to play here... I won't sleep very well tonight but it is okay." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.